Pakistani Educational Leadership Project at Plymouth State University

Peace Day by Sadia Shaukat (PELI 2008)

Peace Day was organized by Miss Sadia Shaukat in Township Campus, University of Education on 17, Dec, 2009. B.Ed students under the guidance of Miss Sadia celebrated this day with full enthusiasm, devotion and love for Pakistan.Miss Sadia described Peace is not just an absence of war; it is a virtue, a state of mind, and a disposition for benevolence, confidence (courage) and justice.

Almost 200 students at graduate and post graduate level participated in this event, Registrar of University of Education(Dr Saeed Akhtar) was the chief guest of this event, although Director (Anwar –ur-Rehman) and Principal ( Waqur-ur-nisa) of Science and Technology were also invited in this event.

B.Ed students performed skits about the current situation of terrorism and suicide bombing in Pakistan and they reflected their roles and responsibilities in this critical situation of Pakistan. They put light on the Muslims’ roles and their obligations for the sovereignty of Islam in Pakistan. “A Muslim only fights when forced to, and after exhausting all peaceful means of reconciliation. If any opportunity of peace arises, then Islam makes it compulsory for the Muslims to take it. A Muslim is also required to extinguish the flame of war whenever and wherever he can. The Qur’an says:‘But if they incline to peace, you also incline to it, and (put your) trust in Allah. Verily, He is the All-Hearer, the All-Knower.’(Surat-al-Anfal (8), ayah 61).

B.Ed students read poems and sang songs for peace in Pakistan and more emphasis was given to awake the Pakistani nation (citizens) in this serious situation and how they can overcome this disastrous situation by holding hands together.

Moreover, students explained the meanings of Peace, brotherhood, unity, harmony, tolerance. Peace is the presence of justice in society, and it means to live happily. The history of Peace was also described by students. How we can make Pakistan peaceful, different speeches were delivered on this topic.

In peace the sons bury their fathers but in war the fathers bury their sons…. Pakistanis have been burying their young children, their friends and most of all their brave sons who gave their lives in order to save others. These brave soldiers, police officers and security guards are sacrificing their lives for our better future. They say “if there is a trouble, let it be in my day, that my child may have peace.”

At last, registrar Dr Saeed Akhtar concluded the session with the encouraging remarks for Miss Sadia Shaukat’ efforts for organizing this event and he highlighted the importance of peace in our country. He addressed to students, we need to develop harmony and unity in ourselves and should be ready to give every sacrifice for the prosperity and survival of Pakistan. Director and Principal also expressed their views regarding the promotion of peace in our country by unity. Event was ended with the certification ceremony among students on their brilliant performance.

Dear PELI participants and everyone.
First of all a very happy new year. May this year brings joys and happiness that may last forever.
I have developed a page on Facebook, titled as QUALITY EDUCATION FORUM. I invite you all to join the page and share your ideas and thoughts on improving quality of education generally as well as specifically for K-12.
It is just in initial stages. Please feel free to post links and articles which are useful for teachers and educators.
You can also participate in discussion and initiate new discussions too.
Looking forward to see you on Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/QUALITY-EDUCATION-FORUM/230439088765?ref=ts

Best Regards
Afshan Huma
PELI-PSU Alumni 2007
Lecturer AIOU
Doctoral Student, MSU

Best wishes for a peaceful 2010 from the Pakistani Educational Leadership Project. Special thanks to the Project’s 120 alumni, institutional stakeholders and colleagues for their dedication to Pakistan’s students. Project alumni and their institutions represent seeds of change and seeds of hope in educational initiatives. They are the faces, voices and stories of challenges and successes throughout the country – in urban centers, rural areas, and near the borders with Afghanistan, Iran and India.

Alumni have reported sharing Project training with over 100, 000 of their colleagues and students.  The statistical outcomes result from implementation of activities in Pakistan developed during the Project’s intensive institutes  at Plymouth State University. But most importantly, building relationships is at the core.   The Project has been funded by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, Office of Citizen Exchanges since 2003.  The cross-cultural and -educational exchange  component is the essence of the Project. Pakistanis and Americans have shared experiences and formed friendships that transcend boundaries.

With planning underway for the 2010 institute and follow-on activities in Pakistan, the focus will continue on science education and educational leadership.  Each institute examines issues from different perspectives for continuing professional development enrichment in Pakistan.  Many factors shape the curriculum, including Ministry of Education goals and alumni advice.  The 2010 institute will explore ethics and advocacy in educational leadership and environmental education.

The rigorous merit based nomination and selection process soon will be underway in Pakistan, facilitated by the Project’s in-country service provider, Idara-e-Taleem-o-Aagahi.  It also will be assisted by Departments of Education and educational institutions.  The Project, its Pakistani alumni, Plymouth State University’s staff and faculty,  and New Hampshire’s Lakes Region communities look forward to welcoming more Pakistani educational leaders as guests, colleagues and friends.

Dear All

    A very very warm Eid greetings to all of u  pl do pray for my home land

                                                                                                Samia

Dear all
I am studying for my PhD at Michigan State University now a days. I am so thankful to everyone at PSU and ITA for providing me the opportunity to be a participant at PELI 2007. The learning is really helping me to adjust in US generally and also in my studies.
Though I still miss Plymouth, but this part of US also has a beauti of its own. I am enjoying the first autumn in MSU, which is really colourful. I have heard the winter is going to be very cold and snowy…!
Wish me luck!
Love for all
Afshan Huma
Remember me in your prayers.