PESHAWAR: Over 15,000 science enthusiasts, including students and teachers from 280 government schools, participated in the two-day science festival in Mardan.

The festival organised by the district government in collaboration with Taleemi Jirga and Pakistan Alliance for Maths & Science, was held at Mardan Sports Complex, according to a statement issued here on Friday.

Being the largest science festival ever held in Mardan, it was a shining example for the district governments across Pakistan which could replicate the model in their respective regions.

Such events are important to familiarise school administrations, teachers and students with unique ways to teach basic science concepts in a creative manner to spur entrepreneurship and ready students to drive innovation in the science and technology-based industries.

Students from across Mardan district and its surrounding areas participated in the festival, setting up over 300 stalls to showcase their creative exhibits on different themes and aspects of science.

Mardan Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Usman, district nazim Himayatullah Mayar and naib nazim Asad Ali Kashmiri also visited the festival.

At the closing ceremony, the district nazim announced Rs20 million in the next year’s budget for promoting science activities in the district and constructing well-equipped science labs in schools and colleges.

Published in Dawn, May 12th, 2018