Pakistani NGO ‘The Himalayan Literacy Network’ received UNESCO’s King Sejong International Literacy Prize at a Conference on International Literacy Day- September 8 at UNESCO headquarters in Paris, France. It was a proud moment for Pakistan, Shahid Rehman, Executive Director of THLN received the award for outstanding contributions in the field of literacy since 2004. THLN is an accredited pre-school and provides primary education to the children of Bakarwals – who are nomadic pastoralists from Southern Himalayas. In order to accomplish their objectives THLN trains community members to serve as live-in migratory teachers of tent schools operating in summer and winter grazing camps located many hours from regular educational facilities. Class and tutoring services are planned around the student’s camp and livestock chores. Five- to six-year-olds are taught numeracy and reading while the classes 1 to 5 follow the syllabi for all subjects mandated by the provincial education department. The main objective of THLN is to educate Bakarwals who may one day grow as leaders and contribute to a peaceful Pakistan and further support their community by securing their linguistic and cultural heritage. Asim Iftikhar Ahmad Pakistan’s Ambassador/Permanent Delegate to France and UNESCO in his meeting with Shahid Rehman, Executive Director of THLN lauded the innovative program catalyzing literacy movement within the nomadic Bakarwal community. The Ambassador underscored the importance of such grass roots movements in making a difference in the lives of the people. The Ambassador also attended the award ceremony at UNESCO alongwith other dignitaries and Embassy officers.
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