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WEEKLY
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| A much-needed respite for under-privileged children |
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Friday, June 26, 2009
Karachi
Sheheryar’s eyes sparkled as he narrated his experience at the summer camp,“Miss, I have learned a lot here. I know about tenses and I can also use a notepad now”. Sheheryar was one of the hundred students enrolled at the summer held at the Government Boys and Girls Secondary School, Liaquatabad till June 23.
The initiation of summer camps at seven government schools served as a source of delight for many children. The summer camp was divided into three sessions lasting three days each. Children were taught English language skills, computers and were then treated to a host of extra-curricular activities including sports, dramas and drawing classes in the last session. Apart from the one that this scribe visited in Liaquatabad, these camps are also being held at other government schools in Landhi, Mehmudabad, Saddar, Site No.3, Korangi and Gulshan-e-Iqbal.
Muhammad Anwar Khan Afridi, Manager for Town Education and Development Council and in charge of this particular summer camp said,” This is the third year of this summer camp. Children studying in this school register here for the camp. Currently, hundred boys and girls are enrolled in the camp and they are students of class five to matric.” He elaborated that the resources and equipment are all provided by the City District Government, Karachi and no charges are taken from the students.
The classes for English and Computers and other extra-curricular activities were conducted by IEARN (International Education and Resource Network) volunteers which is a non-profit organisation. Tayyaba Raza, a volunteer said, “it’s great to teach these students. They are under-privileged and have not been blessed with the same privileges as we have been.”
Another volunteer, Taskeen Zehra, added, “these children are enthusiastic to learn. They want to cram in everything they can in this short span of time. I want to come back here again and teach them next year too.”
Children at the camp seemed glad that they had found a good use for their summers which they would otherwise have whiled away in their houses, doing nothing. Reema, a student of class eight said, “I have been coming here for three years. I have had lots of fun here. I learnt nouns, sentences and computer devices.” She then counted them off on her fingertips,” Keyboard, monitor, CPU, mouse”. Irfan another student wished that they had more of such activities and that they lasted longer. Shakeel seemed excited about the picnics that were also a part of the summer camp,” we went to Aladin Park. We sat on all the rides that went really high. We want more of these.”
A prize distribution ceremony was held at the end of the summer camp where children were awarded various prizes on their paintings. The children also showcased their talents by reciting Naats, singing and treating their fellow students to hilarious jokes.
—By Samreen Naqvi
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ISSN 1563-9479 
