Beyond the Symposium - CSN at NED School's Annual Function.

22^nd February, 2011 was the day when the wave of renaissance and change was swept throughout the NED University of Engineering and Technology via the symposium on “Change and Development through Education” organized by the Constructive Students Network (CSN). The colloquium drew a bead on imparting critical thinking in the young minds and on making the youth cognizant of their social responsibility. Distinguished speakers from renowned social welfare organizations humbled the audience with their thought-provoking speeches and motivated the youngsters to produce a constructive change in the socio-political upheaval existing in Pakistan.

                The sponsors like PSO and Engro granted valuable financial help for the cause. On the basis of mutual agreement of the board members of the team, the idea was put forth to donate the surplus funds to some under-privileged school. The selection of such a school wasn’t a difficult task as the NED School was the most appropriate venue for the contribution. NED School is a school setup for the children of non-teaching staff of NED University and it was founded by the wife of current Vice Chancellor of NEDUET, Ms. Badar Kalam. Hence, the matter regarding the donation of Rs 20000 to the NED School was worked out with the University Vice Chancellor, Ms. Badar kalam (care Taker NED School), Principal of the school and Dr. Khalid Pasha (Convenor School Management Committee). It was decided that Team CSN would personally handover the cheque to the school management in the Annual Function of the school which was held on the 4^th May, 2011.

         

      The 4^th of May came riding along with the serenity of innocence. The line-up of the programs to be displayed at the annual function was managed very efficiently by the teachers which included skit, comedy talk show and the prize distribution to the high achievers of every class. It was indeed a pleasure for the members of CSN to be honored as the Guests of the Event. The euphoric performances exhibited by the students in their plays were absolutely flawless. The talk show performed by the students on the stage depicted the real turmoil which Pakistanis especially Karachiites are going through. It featured the special personifications of the utilities such as electricity and water which are quite frequently, if not always, scarce in the town. The show presented the concept and tips of conservation of these valuable facilities and on the part of students, they executed the message through to the audience very effectively. Secondly, the dance skit staged at the event reflected the hard work both the teachers and the students had gone through to finally present them at the function. The very dance skit had also clinched first prize at the inter-school dramatics competitions. The theatrical episode was based upon the life of honeybee. It made the public aware of the wit and genius of honey bees. The students delineated the daily schedule of a bee’s life upon a very jocund soundtrack. The attires and the performances given out by each and every member of the play were just perfect. It made people marvel at the wonderful creation of the Almighty and how He has made such a well-organized lifestyle for such a tiny insect. After that, prizes were awarded to the position holders of each class. At the end of the event, the cheque was given away to the management of NED School by Ms. Sajida Zaki (In-charge of Literary and Publications Society of NEDUET), Ms. Badar Kalam and the members of CSN hence materializing the theme of Development and Change through Education.

              

  Giving birth to another inspiring change, CSN instilled a change in the weather. This initiative was practiced by the students for the students and it is just a drop in the ocean on the way to making a healthier and better homeland. This was not just it; moved by the efforts chipped in by Team CSN during the workshop, the school administration of SMB Fatima Jinnah Girls School invited Team CSN to inspire their young souls at on-campus summer camp afterwards. Team CSN has still got a long way ahead of them but it is these little steps that guarantee the progress of Pakistan. The progress it needs to advance, and perhaps to survive!

- Taha Javaid