LAHORE: Punjab Literacy and Non-Formal Basic Education Minister Farrukh Javed has said that we can eradicate poverty, illness and unemployment through literacy and education.
The minister was addressing the consultative workshop for finalising the “Punjab Literacy Policy” in Faletti’s Hotel on Wednesday. The purpose of the workshop was to consult the stakeholders in formulating the Punjab Literacy Policy. Secretary Literacy Dr Ismat Tahira, former minister Shaheen Ateeq-Ur-Rahman, representatives from government and private sector and renowned educators were present at the occasion.
Dr Farrukh Javed in his address said that we are striving to make Punjab 100 per cent literate by 2030. He said that the department has given education to more than 18 lakh students and 5 lakh adults in a short span of time. More than 4 lakh children are still studying in 13 thousand non-formal basic education schools.
He said that our doors are open to increasing public private partnership and we will cooperate with NGO’s in order to increase the literacy rate. The government is responsible to educate all the citizens especially children. He said that despite limited resources and unexpected circumstances, the literacy department is trying its best to achieve the goal of a literate Punjab. He said that due to the department’s efforts, children of labourers and farmers are getting the light of knowledge. He added that more than two million illiterate people are given basic education and are taught different skills through the literacy department. Literacy Secretary Dr Ismat Tahira in her address thanked the stake holders for their utmost participation and valuable input for formulating the Punjab Literacy Policy document. The proposed draft was shared with the participants before concluding the session.