PESHAWAR: The provincial Auqaf and minority affairs department has started distribution of money among the poor students to buy new textbooks, stationery and school uniforms.

In this connection, a ceremony was held at Saint John Vianney Boys High School here on Wednesday wherein Rs1.21 million was distributed among 211 deserving students, mostly from Christian community. A large number of parents, teachers and students attended the ceremony.

Rehan Khattak, a senior official of Auqaf department, distributed the amount among the students and also read out a goodwill message of Sardar Soran Singh, special assistant to chief minister, and Auqaf Secretary Abdullah Mahsood.

He said that government would distribute Rs147 million among 2,867 needy students to buy new books and school uniforms. He said that the amount would be distributed among the minority students of 12 schools in Peshawar, five schools in Nowshera, two in Abbottabad and one each school in Mardan, Chitral and Dera Ismail Khan.

The official said that government wanted every ethnic group and marginalised segment of the society to get benefits of the social welfare programmes.

Ms Naureen, a woman whose two children received money at the ceremony, said that she could not afford to buy new books and uniforms for her children. “My husband works at a private office and draws a meagre salary. At the start of every new academic year, we would tight our belt to at least purchase either books or uniform for our children. This time, they would get both,” she added.

Brother Hidayat, the principal of the school, appreciated the initiative of the government and said that parents should encourage their children to get education to face new challenges in life.

“I am so pleased today that poor students will buy new books and school uniforms for themselves. I hope that government will continue helping needy parents,” Mr Hidayat added.

Shumaila Rasheed, a sixth grader, said that in the past her parents used to get old books and uniform for her from the parents of senior students. “I am orphan and my mother is sick. I feared my mother will withdraw me from school but thanks God I am promoted to 7th grade as I will soon purchase new stuff,” she said proudly.

Published in Dawn, March 31st, 2016