On May 9th, 2023, the Pakistan Girl Guides Association (PGGA) organized a Certificate Distribution Ceremony at its National Headquarters in Islamabad, to recognize the hard work and dedication of university students who participated in the PGGA’s Project “Stay Safe”. 170 Students participated in the ceremony.
The event celebrated the completion of Community Service by students from Capital University of Science and Technology (CUST), Fatima Jinnah Women University (FJWU), Akhuwat College, Pak Turk Maarif International Schools and Colleges, and COMSATS Attock. The students participated in the Project and completed it by cascading the Project in various public schools in Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
Ms. Wajiha Qamer, Ambassador for Girls Education, was the Chief guest. She shared her insights on the importance of such structured projects and how they can positively impact society. She also praised PGGA’s efforts to make joint efforts with universities and empower the Girls.
“We are proud of the university students who participated in the Project Stay Safe initiative and demonstrated their commitment to work in tackling the challenges being faced by girls,” said Ms. Wajiha Qamer. “Certain topics are considered taboos or not given much importance by families and academia, through Project Stay Safe girls learn and discuss real issues that a girl faces in her daily life, which are rather ignored.” She added, “We hope this initiative will inspire more young people to get involved in community service and contribute to the betterment of society.”
The ceremony was graced by Vice-Chancellors and Representatives of Fatima Jinnah Women University, COMSATS, Capital University of Science & Technology, the Principal AKhuwat Collage, and representatives of Pak Turk Maarif International Schools and Colleges.
Ms. Maria Maud Sabri, National Commissioner PGGA, also recognized the students’ hard work and dedication and also acknowledged the principals of the schools in which the university students completed their Cascading. She said that it is PGGA’s vision is to empower girls and young women to become responsible citizens of the country. Project Stay Safe has been particularly designed to take this vision forward and collaborations have been made with universities to tackle today’s challenges being faced by young girls and women.
During the event, students from various universities shared their experiences during the training of the project as well as while cascading it with young girls in schools. “The holistic and well-rounded experience has been appreciated by all of us which not only helped to get training on the core areas of Project but also developed life skills in us”, said one University student. “During the cascading, the most interesting part was being a role model and answering the questions being asked by juniors”, added one student while sharing her cascading experience in a school.
On the whole, the Certificate Awarding Ceremony was a significant event that celebrated the hard work and dedication of university students. The event provided an opportunity to encourage more university students to participate in similar programs and make a difference in their communities.
