HEC chairman lauds adult literacy programme of AIOU

Islamabad: Higher Education Commission (HEC) Chairman Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed lauded the adult literacy program, initiated by Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) for its low-grade employees, hoping such a effort will help to promote educated culture in the country.
He was speaking as a chief guest at 1st graduate ceremony of adult literacy program, through which thirty illiterate employees (Drivers/Naib Qasid) got basic know-how of reading and writing. The University, he said has done a great job by providing necessary education to its own illiterate employees, while expanding its academic network throughout the country.
The ceremony was presided over by the Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Shahid Siddiqui who highlighted the University’s consistent efforts of meeting educational needs of less-privileged and deprived sections of the society.
In its academic pursuits, the University had decided to provide free Matric education to the students of Baluchistan and FATA from next semester, he said adding they are also going to set up their regional office in FATA to facilitate the people, coming into the educational net.
Dr. Mukhar Ahmed said that the HEC has already started a similar literacy program for its low-grade employees. He hoped that other institutions will also follow the same. Giving education to the illiterate people is a ‘Sadqa-e-Jaria’, and a big service to the society, he added.
He also distributed special awards and certificates to the passed-out employees, who were overwhelmed to receive basic knowledge of meeting their essential needs, like writing application or filing their salary’s cheque.
It was a three-month short course arranged and designed by the University’s Department of Distance and Non-Formal Continuing Education. It was hoped that the program will serve as a model to teach those who could not avail the schooling facility at their early age.
The initiative taken by the Vice Chancellor was also aimed at capacity-building of the staff, facilitating them to deliver the best in performing their official duties. The facility was free of cost and the University’s senior faculty members voluntarily performed the teaching job. It was announced that similar adult literacy programs will be undertaken at the University's regional offices.
The ceremony was also addressed by Dean Education Dr. Nasir Mahmood, Director Literacy Programme Dr. Muhammad Ajmad and Dr. Afshan Huma. The ceremony was also attended by Dean Science Dr. Naghama Rashid and Dean Social Sciences Dr. Samina Awan.