52 students of Sindh, Balochistan to go to US for education this month

* When admitting their children to government schools, parents would have never imagined that their children would go to the US for education

By Fawad Ali Shah

KARACHI: Abdul Majid, 15, who hails from Kalaar village of district Awaran of Balochistan, could never even imagine in his dreams that some day he would be visiting the United States of America for education.

All that he could dream was to become a high ranked officer so that he could bring electricity to his village. He burnt his midnight oil to realise his dreams.

“I could not think out of my books and village,” says Majid, wearing a white shirt and black pant, narrates his life’s story while sitting in the luxurious hall of a local hotel in order to attend a programme. However he was clear about one thing, which was that hard work always pays off.

Majid, who belongs to a village where there is no power supply and even in the modern-age where students of other cities and countries think about and discuss cyber space and other things, he has to study in the candle light.

However, all the problems and miseries that he faced turned into something that he could proudly tell to others— his success story.

He is part of the 52 students delegation, from interior Sindh and Balochistan, who have been selected to go to Washington DC for a two-week Science and Technology programme. The students including 26 girls and 26 boys are making this trip as part of the Links to Learning (ED-Links) programme supported by the US Agency for International Development (USAID).

These students will go in two groups. The first batch will leave for the US on October 3 and the second one will leave on October 23.

The prominent feature of the programme is that most of the students have been selected from the government schools of the backward districts of Balochistan and Sindh.

It is interesting to mention here that in Pakistan most of the parents who have a bit financial resources try to admit their children to private schools.

Therefore, the students chosen from Pakistan are said to have been selected from the lower class the society of Pakistan.

The aim of the programme is to help students of both the countries understand each other’s cultures and environment. It will also help Pakistani students attain knowledge, which they could not in their native land.

Balochistan Minister of Education, Shafiq Ahmed Khan, on the occasion regarded this opportunity as an opener.

“It is not the goal for the talented students of my province rather it is the beginning of a new journey,” Khan said.

Secretary of Education Sindh Rizan Memon on the occasion congratulated the students for being selected on merit for a prestigious programme.

ED-Link’s education programme will teach students about web development, digital photography and video production. The programme also aims at developing the students’ teamwork, leadership skills and cultural understanding.

“This programme will open new doors of opportunity, cross-cultural understanding, and learning for each of you,” said Consular General of US consulate in Karachi Stephen Fakan addressed the students. “I know you will be proud and effective representatives of Pakistan, and that you will form rewarding friendships with the American students and teachers you meet.”

Views of the underprivileged

“Despite the fact that there is no electricity in our village, my son studied really hard, which made me believe that one day he would do something great. It’s a wonderful achievement for him.”

Sher Muhammad, Drawing Master, Varan, Balochistan

“I study because I love books. Even though there is no electricity in our village, I studied in daylight or in candle light at night. I have never imagined that I would visit Washington.”

Abdul Majid, Varan, Balochistan

“Though the atmosphere was not good for him, my son wanted to be educated. I am a farmer, and there was no one to guide him or inspire him, but his hard work has paid off as he has set an example for others.”

Muhammad Anwar, Farmer, Mubarakpur, Sindh

“I have never even dreamt of visiting the US. At the time I got the news that I was selected for the programme I was over joyed. I distributed sweets among my friends and family members.”

Nargis, Bagar Gi, Sindh

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