April 9, 2003	Wednesday	Safar 6, 1424

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ISLAMABAD, April 8: Pakistan is one of the 28 countries that are unlikely to achieve the six goals regarding education for all (EFA) by 2015, set at the Dakar conference.

The ‘Dakar goals’ is an international commitment to which Pakistan is a signatory.

In connection with the ‘education for all week’, the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco), in collaboration with the ministry of education, is organizing a programme in this regard on April 9 from 5pm to 7pm at the Higher Education on Commission Auditorium in sector H-9, Islamabad.

Around 400 students, teachers, parents, educators, and ordinary citizens will participate in the programme. The lesson will be delivered by the famous TV star, Sania Saeed.

The National Plan of Action (NPA) symbolizes Pakistan’s determination to expedite efforts at all levels towards achieving EFA goals. The challenges confronting Pakistan are complex and formidable.

The theme of the EPA week from April 6 to 13 is ‘building momentum to eliminate gender disparities by 2005’. The focus is on Dakar and millennium development goal which call for the elimination of gender disparities in primary and secondary education.

A wide range of activities are underway across the globe to highlight the plight of the millions of girls and women who don’t have the access to basic education.

According to Unesco statistics, two-third of the 862 million illiterates world wide are women. World leaders have promised to put equal number of girls and boys into school by 2005.

With just two years to go, they must act with utmost urgency and determination.

The EFA movement in Pakistan had been gearing up for a week of action and reflection. Efforts have been made to involve and mobilize politicians legislators, government officials, federal and provincial, relevant UN agencies, donors NGOs, journalists, teachers, parents, and students in this noble endeavour.

Pakistan was the first country in the world to prepare a draft NPA on EFA.

A key element of the EFA week in Pakistan relates to the global event and girls education.

This is an attempt to set a new record for the largest number of people simultaneously learning the same lesson in support of EFA.