KARACHI, March 23: Pakistan Day was observed in the Lyari Expressway Resettlement Project (LERP) sites of Hawksbay and Taisar Town in a unique manner. It was celebrated by shiftees of Lyari Expressway who got their children admitted to schools as part of LERP efforts for promotion of education of children, who otherwise, could have been seen playing in the stinking environment if they had continued to live there in the river-bed and on its banks.

On the occasion, two new schools for boys and girls were also inaugurated in Sector 36-A of the second resettlement site of Taisar Town.

LERP had chalked out an elaborate programme for promotion of education and admissions drive. Under the programme, groups of teachers and students, both girls and boys, were formed in Hawkesbay and Taiser Town. Each group consisted of three teachers, three boys and three girls.

These groups went home to home, contacted the parents and their children and apprised them about the significance of knowledge and education.

They got admission forms filled from such children who hitherto were not going to schools. As a result, a large number of children were admitted to schools in their respective areas.

The girls were more enthusiastic and paid special attention to admission of their fellow girls not going to schools.

The campaign for admission to schools continued for two days on March 22 and 23.

Similarly, a special cleanliness campaign was also carried out to make the newly developed settlements clean. The drive was participated by a large number of school children and residents.

At present seven primary schools and one high school are being run in the Hawkesbay site with 3,500 boys and girls studying in two shifts.

In Taisar Town, 4,500 boys and girls are undergoing education in 13 primary schools being run in two shifts.

These children of the shiftees are provided free books, copies, uniform, shoes etc by LERP.

In order to ensure provision of quality education, local educated girls too have been appointed as teachers to meet the shortage of government appointed teachers in these schools. They are paid monthly honoraria by the project.—APP