Education and Technical Training
Our planning, determined in view of the different sides of this field, represents our equal attention to general education and technical training. The plan envisages the following, in process of execution in phases:
- Mosque Schools
- Primary Schools
- Middle Schools
- Technical Training Centres
- Libraries
- Supply of text-books
Mosque Schools
In 1999, 12 Mosques and four religious schools were built; this brings their total so far to 99 built on self-help basis with contribution of roofs of corrugated sheets from us. 10 more Mosque schools were built in 2000 and this bring the total so far to 109 Mosque schools. These Mosques also accommodate religious schools for teaching of the Holy Quran by honorary teachers. Our scheme to upgrade the syllabi of these religious schools to that of primary status has not as yet been feasible, because there is no offer of service on gratis at any place, and we can not afford teachers on salaries in wake of our fund facing acute constraints. A good deal of effort has brought a mearge financial contribution not enough for payments to teachers of even one school, and so it has been held up in the reserve fund. Teachers can, however, be employed in the year 2001 after receipt of expected aid.
Primary Schools
Three primary schools had been established in the suburbs of Karachi, but unfortunately, one will have to be closed down for no reason other than want of funds.
Middle School
The first of a number of schools in plan for different parts of Northern Areas, under construction, which has been obstructed for these two years, is hoped to be completed during next year with expected funds.
Libraries
During these two years there has been no addition to the six libraries existing at various places of Northern Areas; but we hope to increase their number considerably in the year 2001. The librarians of the existing libraries, possessing tape-recorders are supplied cassettes so that may do wider dissemination of knowledge.
Text Books
The parents in the Northern Areas are of course anxious about education of their children but majority of them have financial hardships. We started a scheme to provide text books to the boys and girls of primary classes. Despite encouraging result issuing forth from this scheme, we had to restrict the number of beneficiaries (50) in 1999, to our regret again on account of our financial helplessness.
Workshop
A two-day workshop for community health and educational workers was held under the auspices of the Karsaz Trust on 17 and 18 October, 1999 at Park Hotel in Gilgit.
Professor Khawaja Mehardad, Secretary Health, Education and Local Bodies, Northern Areas, was the chief guest at the workshop on its first day, while on the second or the last day the chief guest was Muhammad Shifa, Assistant Commissioner of Gilgit. Addressing participants of the workshop, Khawaja Mehardad said that Karsaz Trust was engaged in performance of welfare service without discrimination. He appreciated the on-going projects of the various divisions of the Karsaz Trust, and assured the organisation of his cooperation. He also announced scholarships for the poor and deserving students. Further, he suggested that in future a joint workshop of the workers of the Karsaz Trust and the Government Health workers should be held so that the workers could have yet better training for still better service to people.
Earlier, the chairman of Karsaz Trust, Akhlaq Ahmed presented a report on six-year performance for the Trust.
The Assistant Commissioner of Gilgit awarded certificates to the participants at the end of the workshop.