Sujawal
More than 12000 students from over 50 government and private schools and science enthusiasts visited the three-day first ever ‘Sujawal STEAM Learning Festival’ that concluded at the Govt Boys High School Ground here on Saturday.
The festival was jointly organised by Thar Education Alliance (TEA), UNICEF, Reform Support Unit (RSU) and Sindh Education and Literacy Department.
TEA’s Partab Shivani, Senior Program Manager RSU Mujeeb Khatti and Tooba Noor from UNICEF told journalists that the largest science festival held for the first time ever in Sujawal was a shining example for all.
“Such events are especially important to familiarise school administrations, teachers and students with unique ways to teach and understand STEAM concepts in an interesting and engaging manner,” they said.
They said that it was a pleasant shock for them to see unprecedented response from students and community of the Sujawal, Thatta and Badin, considered to be one of the climate hit areas and last in district education ranking.
Students from three districts of Laar set up over 60 stalls to showcase their creative works on different themes and aspects of science, they said.
The students expressed their joy and gratitude for getting an opportunity to display their innovative science models.
The organisers gave away awards who had clinched top three positions in the festival.
In a panel discussion on ‘Climate Change and its impact on education / Education in Emergencies’ a speaker, Munawar Memon emphasizes that climate change is not a recent phenomenon; our globe has been witnessing its impact for a century.
However, the present situation is markedly different. People inhabiting Earth are actively contributing to the destruction of nature and resources while merely trying to sustain their lives.
Individual efforts can play a pivotal role in mitigating climate change, starting from one’s home and potentially influencing the broader context of a country.
Akif Sattar from the Malala Fund states that it’s the age of information and adaptation. When discussing disasters, they are not merely natural but often man-made.
In this tech era, we must embrace new ways and approaches. Introducing resilient practices and positive behavior can contribute to the betterment of our environment. When you translate your learnings into action, it will undoubtedly create a significant impact.
Abbas Khoso mentioned that the climate change debate gained prominence after the 2010 flood, and the recent flood in 2022 disrupted the education system. Numerous schools were directly or indirectly damaged.
In cases where some schools remained intact, internally displaced persons (IDPs) found refuge there for safety. Unfortunately, there is a lack of studies providing data on how many children were able to resume their education after these emergencies.
Muhammad Khan expressed that Sujawal, Badin, and Thatta remain distressingly affected areas, with a majority of the population bearing the impact.
Historical records and ground realities over the years show a consistent situation. Seven out of 14 tehsils in these three districts are directly connected with the sea, and due to local policies, the community suffers from this hazardous environment. Over the past 25 years, numerous villages have been forced to migrate, leaving their homes.
Furthermore, when disasters strike these areas, the damage to education is extensive. Although we may design plans for the retention of children in schools, the challenges in this region persist every alternate year.
During the closing ceremony, Deputy Commissioner Abdul Wajid Shaikh expressed his surprise at the abundance of talent and enthusiasm for STEM learning approaches in Sujawal. He mentioned that he hadn’t expected such a vibrant community.
Mr. Shaikh declared that the local administration will host similar festivals in the future, aiming to provide exposure and opportunities for the children of Sujawal and nearby areas.
