KARACHI: Students of the Government Higher Secondary School Hussainabad, Khairpur, celebrated their victory by dancing to traditional songs like ‘Hum Sindh main rehne wale Sindhi’ and ‘Ho jamaalo’ after winning the grand finale of the MagnifiScience Drama Competition on Thursday.

Held by The Dawood Foundation (TDF) in partnership with the US Consulate General Karachi on Thursday, the event featured performances from the top five entries of schools in Sindh and Balochistan.

A panel of distinguished judges, including renowned actors Khalid Anam and Shamoon Abbasi, announced the results.

A total of 53 schools registered for the competition, with 41 submitting drama scripts. These schools followed guidelines to perform and record their dramas, which were then evaluated by a jury panel.

Khairpur school wins MagnifiScience Drama Competition

Judges Rumana Husain and Uzma Sabeen assessed all entries from Sindh and Balochistan in the second phase.

Their expertise helped select the top five entries for the final stage and provided constructive feedback to the students.

The theme, “Sustainable Future: Children in Action”, motivated participants to actively contribute to global sustainability, encouraging their engagement in caring for the world.

The top five schools were Khadija Kazi Ali Memorial High School, Karachi; United Charter School, North Nazimabad, Karachi; Aga Khan School, Garden Campus, Karachi; The School of Scholars, Khuzdar; and Government Higher Secondary School, Hussainabad, Khairpur.

Theatre enthusiasts packed the auditorium to watch the children perform on stage. Each play made an impact, but the performance by The School of Scholars, a girls’ school, stood out. Its theme focused on how natural disasters affect women’s education, revolving around a protagonist who had to drop out of school due to floods. Later, she got married and never had the chance to build a life for herself.

The winning play by Government Higher Secondary School Hussainabad, Khairpur, movingly addressed the plight of the endangered blind dolphin, threatened by factors like climate change. Through compelling characters, the students conveyed a powerful message: marine conservation is urgent and should be prioritised by the authorities. They also inspired the audience to take personal action in protecting marine life, making the play both impactful and thought-provoking.

“The need to address social causes is urgent, and there is no better way to do so than through art.” Mr Abbasi, judge, said in his closing remarks. Mr Anam seconded his thoughts and wholeheartedly appreciated the efforts made by the schools who’re educating children on what’s important.

“STEM fields drive innovation and creativity, which are essential for economic growth and addressing global challenges such as climate change, health issues, and sustainable development. The US Consulate is proud to partner with the TDF on this project to support the STEM education in Pakistan,” said Anastasia Kolivas, cultural attaché at the US Consulate General, Karachi.

The grand finale at TDF’s MagnifiScience Centre concluded with the announcement that the winning school would receive a STEM Lab on their campus, aimed at cultivating a culture of innovation and scientific exploration.

Winners celebrated their victory by dancing to traditional songs like ‘Hum Sindh main rehne wale Sindhi’ and ‘Ho Jamaalo’ on the stage to light up the auditorium.

Published in Dawn, June 7th, 2024