Top universities, organisations collaborate for better future

Islamabad:Prestigious institutions including Aga Khan Foundation, Pakistan, Aga Khan University, National Institute of Psychology - Quaid-e-Azam University, and Dukhtaran-e-Pakistan, in collaboration with the National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW),have launched the "Art of Parenting" manual. This comprehensive guide features the Agoosh and Parwarish manuals, aimed at training master trainers for the effective parenting of children and adolescents.

The Ministry of Information and Cultural Affairs, Ministry of Health, Education, National Rahmatul lil Alameen Wa Khatamun Nabiyyin Authority, and their affiliated departments played significant roles in the preparation and successful launch of this manual. Other contributors, including Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund, Quaid-e-Azam University, and Allama Iqbal Open University, have also pledged their support.

In her welcome address, Chairperson NCSW, Nilofar Bakhtiar, emphasized the importance of these manuals in national development. She highlighted that the Agoosh manual targets the upbringing of children from birth to age 9, while the Parwarish manual is designed for adolescents aged 9 to 19. Bakhtiar expressed optimism about the positive impact these resources would have on Pakistan's future.

Mr. Akhtar Iqbal, CEO of Aga Khan Foundation, Pakistan, extended his gratitude to NCSW and all partners involved in the development of the Agoosh and Parwarish manuals, including the National Institute of Psychology and Aga Khan University.

He underscored the crucial role parents play in shaping future generations and noted that the manuals are adaptable to various social and cultural contexts. Guest of honour Mr. Rana Mashood, Chairman Prime Minister Youth Program, praised the collaborative efforts, expressing hope for a brighter future for Pakistan’s youth through enhanced parental guidance.

Chief guest, Minister for Human Rights and Law Azam Nazeer Tarar, emphasised the critical role of parenting in children's holistic development. He pointed out the urgent need for structured guidance in Pakistan, particularly in light of rising mental health issues and behavioural problems. He noted that these manuals, aligned with the Convention on the Rights of the Child, aim to foster positive parenting practices and bring about a transformative change in society.

This initiative marks a significant step towards providing parents with the necessary tools and knowledge to effectively nurture and guide their children, ultimately contributing to the overall progress and development of the nation.