THE recent decision taken by Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah has triggered a wave of hope and optimism for the betterment of education in the province.
With reappointment of Prof Anita Ghulam Ali as managing director of the Sindh Education Foundation (SEF), the faith in government decision-making has been restored.
Prof Ali, a revered educationist and twice education minister, has been the founding managing director of SEF since 1992, a position she held till May 2008.
Throughout this period not only were educational services provided to more than 200,000 children in far-flung marginalised areas of Sindh but SEF also became one of the most trusted agencies for implementing international donor-funded projects and schemes in Sindh. The recent World Bank-driven mega initiative for promoting free quality education through low-cost private schooling in Sindh, wherein SEF is playing a leading role, is an outcome of Prof Anita Ghulam Ali's efforts, commitment and diligence.
Sadly, the post-May 2008 scenario did not fare well for SEF and the pace of progress on these key initiatives slowed considerably. Now with the decision to give her charge of the Foundation's affairs once again is being welcomed whole-heartedly by all quarters and will help regain donors' trust yet again.
A champion for the cause of education in Sindh for almost the last four decades, Prof Anita Ghulam Ali (Sitara-i-Imtiaz) has rendered invaluable services to transform the educational scenario in the province. Being the founding managing director of the Sindh Education Foundation, she advocated a progressive vision for education through innovative initiatives and schemes and has played a pioneering role for strengthening public-private partnership in Sindh.
Through her relentless efforts, commitment and visionary leadership, the Foundation thrived to become the most vibrant institution amongst all other education foundations of the country.
Her services extend beyond the boundaries of SEF; she has held the portfolio of education minister twice and has been a leading advocate for teacher and education reforms in Sindh throughout her life.
Given her experience, expertise and allegiance to the cause of education promotion, her endeavours and services remain unparalleled. Rising above the barriers of age and physical vigour, her commitment, enthusiasm and far-sightedness render her as one of the most robust, energetic, progressive and revered educationists of the country who have been and continue to be important catalysts for leading the much-needed educational change in Sindh.
NAZIR MEMON Via email