First batch of 300 students to participate

Science Talent Farming Scheme

Islamabad

Excitement was writ large on the faces of the first batch of 300 students selected from public schools to participate in Science Talent Farming Scheme (STFS) as they listened to the speeches made by the federal ministers encouraging them to have high aims and work hard for the progress of Pakistan.

The STFC, launched by Pakistan Science Foundation (PSF) on Wednesday, will groom and support 1,800 such students through exposure, training on Inquiry Based Science Education (IBSE) and establishing National Science School for provision of continuous academic support to the selected students up to F.Sc level.

“I never imagined that one day I would be listening to such important people and would be staying in a nice hotel in Islamabad. It is a like a dream coming true for me. I always wanted to do something in my life but I knew that my father would not be able to afford my education. After my selection in this scheme, I am sure I will be able to fulfil my dreams,” said Sabiha Mehmood from Layyah.

Sabiha’s father is a shopkeeper in Layyah. She is the youngest of seven brothers and sisters. “My father had to leave his education as he was not able to buy a copy of Rs2 only when he was in primary school but he worked hard to ensure that all his children get education,” said Sabiha who wants to become doctor as per the dreams of her father.

Taqdeer Kumar from Thaar also had a similar story to tell. “I belong to a small village where we used to study under the tree shade without any copy or black board. Out teachers taught us to write on the dry sand,” he said thanking the government for this initiative.

“It was our dream to provide best possible opportunities for the children of lower middle class and sow a crop of young talented students, who will be groomed to turn into a full lot of productive scientists,” said Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal, the founder of this initiative which is part of the government’s Vision 2025, while addressing the launching ceremony of the project.

“The government realizes the fact children from lower middle and poor class are full of talent and intelligence. The only thing they need to rise in their life is opportunity and right exposure. We are sure that when they will rise, the country will rise,” he said.

Federal Minister for Science and Technology Rana Tanveer Hussain sad that the construction of National Science School building and allied facilities will begin soon as Punjab Government has offered land in an educational city in Lahore free of cost.

Rana Tanvir said although there was a budget allocation for cost of land in FY 2015-16, but the CM Punjab has provided the land free of cost for the cause. He said that most important aspect of STFS is establishment of the “National Science School” that will be a boarding school having facilities on the pattern of Cadet Colleges for the continuous support and grooming of the capable students having aptitude towards science education.

“After the establishment of the “National Science School” the selection of the students will be made on regular basis from 8th Class which presently is being done after Matric,” he said.

Federal Secretary for Science and Technology Fazal Abbas Maken said this initiative of the government as part of Vision 2025 is also in consonance with the National Science, Technology and Innovation Policy (ST&I) 2012 which presents a roadmap of aims and objectives under the areas of socio-economic development, human resource development, and promotion of science and technology in the society.

PSF Chairman Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ashraf in a presentation gave in an introduction of STFS and rational behind this scheme.