Category: Blog Post

In pursuant to MoU signed on 17th April 2018 between Mehnaz Fatima Foundation (MFF) and Karakorum International University (KIU) the focal persons and the representatives of both the organizations held meeting on 16th May 2018. The agenda of the meeting was to define certain steps and plan activities to implement the agreement in actual. As a kick start one of the activities planned was to present the concept of Inclusive Education to the graduates of KIU by the focal persons of MFF as a Guest Speaker on 25th May 2018. In addition, MFF will be accommodating and facilitating 27 Graduates of KIU from 17th May till 5th June 2018 for their practicum and observations as part of their course.

The Coordinator CICD Mr. Khadim Ali Hassan presented the concept of Inclusive Education and Rehabilitation in Seminar Hall Education department at KIU. The presentation covered the key concept of Inclusive Education specifically in the context of MFF practices and practical experiences in rehabilitation and community services. The main objectives of the session was:

•  To sensitize participants regarding the need of Inclusive Education in the main stream Education.
•  To Introduce the MFF Inclusive Education System and CICD project.
• To create Awareness regarding Aziz Ali F. Mohammed Rehabilitation Centre and provision of services at MFF.
•  Orientation of MFF practices and its contribution in providing meaningful life to the Children with Special Needs in Gilgit region.
• Opportunities for KIU graduates for Community Service through CBRRCs and Aziz Ali F. Mohammed Rehabilitation Centre at MFF.

Session was attended by CEO Mr. Abbas, Academic Head Ms. Amina, KIU Graduates (94 Male/Female) and faculty of Education department KIU . The knowledge and information shared by MFF through this platform was highly appreciated by the participants. Moreover, they took this opportunity to harness community service opportunities through CBRRCs and Aziz Ali F. Mohammed Centre at MFF. The session concluded via vote of thanks by HoD Dr. Dilangaiz Department of Education KIU.

 

On May 12, 2018 Mehnaz Fatima Educational and Welfare Organization (MFEWO) celebrated its Annual Parent Day (APD) and 20 Years of Excellence. This event was attended by approximately 2200 guests including VIPs of Gilgit-Baltiatan Government, Directorate of Education Gilgit-Baltistan, representatives of Non-Government Organizations (NGO) and faculty of Karakorum International University (KIU). The key theme of the program was Inclusive Education, Value formation, Care for children with special needs and role of parents, which was excellently represented by shining stars of MFEWO through colorful performances. This report will discuss the underlying key themes of the event. The event will be updated on the official website of the organization, mehnazfatima.org

Student leadership
MFEWO introduced practicing Student Leadership to develop and improve multiple skills. The event was entirely organized by the students and this has been highly appreciated by the Parents. The Secretary Education also highlighted this unique feature of the organization by referring to the students’ active involvement in the program and maintaining discipline.
Science projects
APD is always an opportunity to represent the academic excellence of the organization achieved so far and it gives great opportunity to the students to show their cognitive development. Continuing this practice student arranged a science exhibition guided by their teachers. The exhibition demonstrated emerging issues like environmental degradation, technology and cultural diversity. Guests enjoyed the exhibition and appreciated.
Items/performances
The entire performances were based on different themes. Each item gave a message to the audience. Parent’s applause was worth seeing. The very young children of Reception class performed on the stage which was appreciated by the parents.

Collaborative event
The APD was a collaborative event of CICD and Montessori School. They both shared the budget and performances giving the impression of one unit working for same mission and cause. One of the main features of the event was the peach of a parent attending Nomal CBRRC. His speech was so touching while telling the audience about changes brought in his child by the intervention of CICD. The entire gathering became very emotional and started crying.

Apex committee
The event was planned and designed under the guidance of the CEO. He constituted apex committee headed by Academic Head Ms. Amina Baig to supervise the overall activities and its arrangements which resulted in well-organized APD.

Budget vs Expenses
The expenses made in a prudent way due to which we remained within the given budget. We gave a foolproof security to the public with the help of the Administration who deputed security personal and installed walk through gates.

Student Leadership

Mehnaz Fatima Foundation (MFF) is providing opportunities to its students to practice the targeted leadership skills by involving them in multiple committees like library committee, event committee, and assembly committee and so on along with teachers as their facilitators. It is also proposed that students as consumers of education are entitled to participatory rights in managerial processes and practices at the institutions (Obondo, 2000).

This provides students opportunity to learn from their teachers and work on their interpersonal and intrapersonal skills. Every year the process of selection of Head Boy and Head Girl through motivating speeches, colorful posters, and students’ campaign to market themselves followed by referendum is a fascinating exercise. Elected Head Boy and Head Girl represent MFF at different platforms within the school and outside the school. This practice will not only improve the leadership skills of our students but also develops their self-esteem and self-confidence.

This year total 15 contestants from Grade 7^th and 8^th participated in the competition of Head boy and Head Girl, out of 15 students 4 were selected for the second round considering their motto, level of participation and commitment. This was followed by referendum where all students had the opportunity to vote. The finalist who is elected this year for Head Boy and Head Girl is as follow:

• Imran Ali (Grade 8) Head Boy

• Faiza Zafar (Grade 8 ) Head Girl

The students who qualified for the title of House Prefect are:

• Zain Ali (Grade 8 ) House Prefect

• Purnoor Sultan (Grade 8) House Prefect

The result was announced on 2^nd May in morning assembly presenting Saches by Mr. Abbas the CEO and Ms. Amina Academic Head to the elected students followed by Oath taking ceremony.

Reference

Obondo, A. (2000). Politics of Participartory Decision-Making in Campus Governance. Faculty of Education. University of Nairobi. Kenya

MFF and KIU have common visions of a sustainable future and complementary missions both MFF and KIU wish to initiate effective cooperative relationships that will have positive impacts on academic research, and recognize the value of strengthened institutional and program collaboration in this regard.
Whereas both MFF and KIU have the capacity to enter into an understanding and that their respective Chief Executive Officers / Vice Chancellor have the authority to approve, sign and supervise implementation of agreements for their respective institutions; Therefore, MFF and KIU inspired by their common objectives to strengthen a cooperative relationship to achieve common strategic objectives of building capacity and sharing knowledge, set forth in this Memorandum of Understanding.

Objective:
“To develop collaboration between KIU and MFF through joint research projects, sharing knowledge and building capacities to create an enabling environment for improved teaching learning practices.”

 

Mehnaz Fatima Foundation (MFF) inaugurated Community Based Rehabilitation Resource Centre (CBRRC) in Danyor on April 17, 2018 with collaboration and support of community of Danyor and Local Support Organization (LSO).

Patrons’ Mehnaz Fatima Foundation Dr. Zeba Rasmussen, Mr. Steve Rasmussen, Mr. Amjad Arbab (BoD Member MFF), AKRSP representatives, senior management of MFF and Mothers of Children with Special Needs were the distinguished guests.
This community center will provide space for mothers having Children with Special needs to gather for Therapy services offered by Mehnaz Fatima Foundation for rehabilitation of Children with Special Needs. This centre will also work as a resource centre for human resource development in basic therapy services.