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August 03, 2006
A cherished relationship
With the reopening of British Council at its new premises, hopes for the revival of the friendly relationship, which the council shared with the student community of Pakistan, have come alive again, writes Gina Charlotte
The British Council has played the role of a mentor to young people all over the globe. In Karachi, too, the welcoming premises have served as a haven for local students seeking access to quality education and knowledge. The counselling section, helped students in acquiring admissions to various colleges in the UK and, of course, the various scholarships that one could apply for through the British Council made it indispensable.
After its closure, the British Council continued its operations from the Deputy British High Commission, yet it seemed as though a long cherished relationship with a close friend had ended.
With the reopening of British Council at its new premises, which is inside the High Commission, hopes for the revival of this relationship have come alive again. The inauguration ceremony, which was a colourful event, was attended by a host of people who have shared a long relationship with the organisation. These included people such as Hameeda Khuhro, Minister for Education, Sindh, eminent journalist Ghazi Salahuddin and Dr Nuzhat Ahmed, a well-known scientist. Many other personalities from different walks of life also attended the event. The guests shared their experiences and the fond memories that they hold of the organisation.
Sue Burmount, the Director of British Council, Pakistan, who had come from Nepal to attend the ceremony, was of the view that the new building demonstrated the stability and progress of Karachi.
The staff of the Council later gave an overview of the various projects that the organisation is involved in, almost all of which are related in one way or the other to education and literacy.
Though public will not have access to the library and various other facilities at the Council, one can hope that in time the new British Council will gain the same status that it previously enjoyed – that of a guide, a mentor and a friend to the student community in Pakistan.
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