PESHAWAR: Speakers at a function on Wednesday stressed the need for the government to focus on balancing the curriculum in order to overcome the challenges of modern time, particularly regarding violence in the society.

The function was held at the conclusion of a project ‘Youth for Democracy and Social Change’ (YDSC), at the Services Club here. The event focused on significance of tolerance in the violence-hit society.

The project was a joint venture of Peace Education and Development Foundation (PEAD) and German Embassy, providing an opportunity and forum to the youth of KP and Fata for effective civic engagement.

On the occasion, former vice- chancellor of Islamia College University, Professor Qibla Ayaz, said that even though the curriculum went through the reviewing process several times that helped in updating contents and removing misleading concepts, yet several ideological biases and historical distortions continued to remain part of the curriculum, currently being taught in the public schools. “It is, thus, imperative that this curriculum must be impartial and balanced,” he said.

Professor Ayaz appreciated the role of PEAD for sensitising the youth to peace and education and motivating them to play their due role in social change. He emphasised that youth were the true agents of positive change and urged them to play due role for prosperity of the society.

Former vice-chancellor of Abaseen University, Peshawar, Iqbal Durani, PDMA assistant director Ziauddin Khattak, PEAD executive director Sameena Imtiaz, programme manager Tariq Hayat, senior coordinator Shagufta Gul and a number of young representatives of YDSC project were also present on the occasion.

Young students also sang songs, performed cultural dances and a skit stressing the importance of elimination of violence against women.

Certificates were also distributed to the young activists.

Sharing her views, PEAD executive director Sameena Imtiaz said that the YDSC that engaged around 550 students from different educational institutions was aimed at developing their skills after educating them on democracy, rule of law, conflict mitigation and social action.

While addressing the reunion ceremony, senior coordinator Shagufta Gul termed YDSC as a memorable and wonderful experience.

She said that the project had been an opportunity to witness the zeal, energies, innovation, and most importantly, the volunteerism of youth.

Published in Dawn, November 27th, 2014