KARACHI – Since the start of the reconstruction phase, the Oxford University Press (OUP)-Pakistan has been supporting the rehabilitation efforts by contributing more than 300,000 copies of specially-developed storybooks for children in Sindhi, Urdu and English languages.
These books were distributed to the children in the flood-affected areas through the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)’s Temporary Learning Centres (TLCs) operating throughout Sindh.
Speaking at a ceremony at a TLC in Thatta, OUP-Pakistan Managing Director Ameena Saiyid said that the devastating floods in the country have not only taken a tragic toll on a large number of citizens, but also weakened the educational system.
Expressing deep concern over the current circumstances, Saiyid said that the OUP-Pakistan has decided to contribute to redressing the situation by contributing these books.
She said that each book has been colourfully illustrated and has activities to keep the readers engaged even after they have finished reading the story.
Also present at the book donation ceremony were Thatta Education Executive District Officer Asif Qureshi, Sindh Reform Support Unit Deputy Programme Manager Azhar Adil, OUP-UK International Division Managing Director Neil Tomkins, and UNICEF Sindh Chief Field Officer Andro Shilakadze.
A part of this event was an interactive storytelling session for the children of the TLC, and it was conducted by Zara Mumtaz who is an experienced teacher and author of primary-level schoolbooks. Eminent poet Fahmida Riaz read out stories in Sindhi at the event.
The OUP-Pakistan is committed to furthering the cause of education and learning among the disadvantaged communities of the country.
The recent floods in the country have destroyed many schools, depriving children of basic education.
