PakSarZameenEducation
20 November 2016
Bahawalpur hosted a Children's Literature Festival emphasizing how promoting literature is key to building a vibrant, equality-based society.
Sustainable efforts to promote literature for children are key to building vibrant infrastructure essential for establishing an equality-based society, according to Archives Secretary Ahmad Raza Sarwar. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Children's Literature Festival in Bahawalpur, Sarwar lauded District Commissioner Dr Ehtisham Anwer Mahar's services in promoting cultural and literary activities. The district administration announced plans to introduce structured book reading from class five in all schools, institutionalizing reading habits among students. An Oxford University Press (OUP) section was established at the historic central library to extend reading facilities for both adults and children. OUP Managing Director Ameena Saiyid shared that their organization established the Oxford Teachers' Academy, providing training to at least 50,000 teachers annually on modern teaching techniques. The festival featured tableaus by students titled 'Bol Kay Lub Azad Hain Teray' and 'Child Abuse', along with story-telling, story-writing competitions, puppet shows, and sessions on the importance of books and libraries. Minister of State for Higher Education and Interior Baleeghur Rehman emphasized the festival's vital role in promoting intellectual enlightenment and talent among children.