LSBE Convocation 2007 – Matiari District, Sindh

Next event that was held with regard to celebrating the success of the Life Skills Based Education (LSBE) Program and the 10th Anniversary of World Population Foundation – Pakistan, was the LSBE Convocation 2007 – Matiari held on September 12, 2007 at the Bhit Shah Auditorium. The purpose of the Convocation was to recognize hard work and award certificates to students, teachers, district government officials and partners on completion of current phase of LSBE. LSBE has helped harness the potential of youth and direct it towards contributing to the society in a positive manner.

With more than 500 students from 22 high schools of Matiari and dignitaries from the Government such as Mr. Usman Chacher, District  Coordination Officer, District Matiari and Mr. Sajan, Education District Officer,  Dr. Ghaffar Billoo, Chairman HANDS and Mr. Qadeer Baig, Country Representative, WPF in Pakistan besides media and district government officials.  This event can undoubtedly be termed as the most successful of all the convocations held so far as it managed to bring together the officials of public and private organizations for an SRHR activity.

The forum was initiated by a welcome note from the LSBE Coordinator, HANDS. She informed the audience about the program flow and thanked the Chief Guest, Mr. Usman Chacher, District Coordination Officer, District Matiari for gracing the occasion with his presence and support provided by District government in implementation of LSBE in the 21 high schools of the district.  

The students from various schools recited poetry, performed skits and sang songs in order to express their views regarding the LSBE Program.  Two girl students and one boy shared their experience of LSBE and its positive effects on their life. Teachers and principals were shared their experiences about the LSBE program and emphasized to include LSBE into national curriculum to educate our adolescents about protection from abuse and make healthy choices in the life to make their life successful.  

Guests, DCO, Chairman HANDS, Chief Coordinator, HANDS Dr. Tanvir Shiekh) Country Representative, WPF – Pakistan and others distributed shields and certificates. Certificates of Acknowledgement were awarded to all the Teachers who had successfully completed the curriculum. “Life Skills Friendly School” shields were given to all schools which were a part of the program. “Life Skills Best Teacher Award” presented to six teachers who had shown out-standing performance while delivering this program and lastly, the Chief Guest and Chairman HANDS were presented a shield of acknowledgement by the Country Representative for Government’s and HANDS strong support and contribution in the implementation of LSBE in Schools of Matiari.

Mr. Chahcer in his speech requested WPF and HANDS for the continuation and expansion of the program in other schools of Matiari District. He requested for “Universal Life Skills Based Education for High School Students’ in Matiari” LSBE program.

Mr. Sajan Malah, EDO Education, appreciated the partnership between District Government, WPF and HANDS with respect to LSBE. He applauded the efforts of both the organizations for bringing forth such an acknowledgment event. Dr. Ghafar Billoo Chairman HANDS expressed his desire to expand the LSBE program in the entire Matiari district so that more students can benefit from this program.

Mr. Qadeer Baig, Country Representative, WPF – Pakistan, thanked HANDS and the Government officials for the successful implementation of the LSBE program in Matiari district. He introduced WPF’s new adolescent’s leadership development program - “PARWAAN” that aims to ensure further enhancing leadership and advocacy skills of LSBE Alumni for increased youth participation in decision-making at grassroots level and negotiate youth friendly programmes and services which, in turn, will reduce risk-taking behavior and improve reproductive health indicators.
On their way back to Hyderabad, WPF and HANDS met with the District Nazim who expressed his full support regarding the expansion of the LSBE Program in Matiari district.  LSBE programme in Matiari district is an excellent example of public-private partnership.