LOWER DIR: International Literacy Day was observed in Lower Dir with a district-level programme at the Jirga Hall of the Additional Deputy Commissioner’s Office, bringing together education officials, government representatives, partner organizations, teachers, facilitators and students.
The event was held under the supervision of Muhammad Irshad Khan, District Programme Officer of the Elementary and Secondary Education Foundation (ESEF), Lower Dir. The Additional Deputy Commissioner, Divisional Forest Officer, District Youth Officer, District Coordinator of Outsourced Schools (NEMSS), and representatives of the Education Department, Education Monitoring Authority and NCHD also attended.
New children enrolled in Foundation Community Schools
A key focus of the programme was the enrolment of children during the second phase of the ongoing admission campaign.
The Additional Deputy Commissioner welcomed the newly enrolled children and formally registered them in the Admission & Withdrawal Register of Foundation Community Schools. School bags and books were also distributed among the students.
Students from Foundation Community Schools presented speeches, tableaus and educational and cultural performances highlighting the importance of literacy and education. Their performances were appreciated by participants at the ceremony.
Literacy campaign linked with environmental awareness
A tree plantation campaign was also launched as part of the event. The Additional Deputy Commissioner planted a sapling to inaugurate the initiative, while the Divisional Forest Officer provided plants and logistical support.
Different varieties of saplings were distributed among children to promote awareness of environmental protection and encourage tree plantation alongside educational development.
Participants praised ESEF Lower Dir for its efforts to expand literacy and improve access to quality education, particularly for children living in remote and underserved areas.
In his concluding remarks, District Programme Officer Muhammad Irshad Khan thanked government departments, partner organizations, ESEF staff, facilitators, students and other participants for supporting the programme.
The event concluded with a renewed commitment to expanding access to quality education and ensuring that more children across Lower Dir have opportunities to attend school.