Planning Minister for enhancing digital, innovative literacy

ISLAMABAD( WNAM REPORT ):Federal Minister for Planning and Development, Prof. Ahsan Iqbal laid the foundation stone of ‘Center of Excellence Early Childhood Development ‘ at Allama Iqbal Open University yesterday. Addressing the event, he emphasized that education is crucial for a country’s development. Developed countries prioritize early childhood development and education through significant investments. He hoped that this center would play a pivotal role in early childhood development in Pakistan. The Minister stated that there was a need for such a center. Today marks the momentous first step as Allama Iqbal University and Rupani Foundation join forces to establish a commendable center. Ahsan Iqbal said that to take the country on the path of development, there is a need for a development emergency like an educational emergency and an emergency to control the rapidly growing population.
Vice Chancellor, AIOU, Prof. Dr. Nasir Mehmood said that early childhood development, education and training are the guarantee of a bright future. He said that the first six years of a child’s life are very important for early childhood development. The child’s future is shaped during the early years. A strong foundation ensures a brighter future. Dr. Nasir expressed that Pakistani children are our children, and it is our duty to build a strong foundation for them by establishing this center with the support of the Rupani Foundation. He mentioned that the collaboration with Rupani Foundation for early childhood development began in 2017. Furthermore, the university has established a Department of Early Childhood Education which offers various educational programs. Chairman Rupani Foundation, Nasruddin Ripani stated that if children in Pakistan receive the best education and training, they will bring fame to Pakistan in the future. Currently, 22 million children in Pakistan are out of school, which worries us. The UNICEF Pakistan representative, Joshua Karkaire, congratulated the Vice Chancellor, AIOU, Prof. Dr. Nasir Mehmood, and the Chairman, Rupani Foundation, Nasruddin Rupani, calling the center a deliberate initiative. He said that both organizations will get full support from UNICEF in this endeavor.
Earlier, the Chairman, Early Childhood Education Department, AIOU, Dr. Muhammad Athar Hussain explained the aims and objectives of the Center in detail. This event was organized by the Directorate of Works, AIOU, Department of Early Childhood Education, AIOU, Rupani Foundation, and other partner organizations. Before the inauguration of the center, Deputy Director of Works, Junaid Liaquat gave a presentation to the Federal Minister on the cost, facilities and completion of the completion of the center.