Assistant Education Minister Dr. Khan of Kashmir Patunkhwa Province, Pakistan visits United South High
Written by admin, Mar 25, 2017, Comments Off
Courtesy Veronica Cantu,
(Laredo, Texas)-On March 9, 2017 Dr. Khalid Khan, assistant education minister in Kashmir Patunkhwa Province, Pakistan shared first-hand accounts about the region, and Malala Yousafzai-who hails from that part of the country. Malala first gained international attention for being shot and nearly killed by the terrorists because of her desire to attend school; and her firm belief in the right for all girls to have access to education. In July 2013, she addressed the United Nations where she spoke about the “The right of Education of Every Child.” In 2014, Malala became the youngest winner of the Nobel Peace Prize.
In his presentation, Dr. Khan shared information on the Swat region and Pakistan in general. Using PowerPoint images, Dr. Khan was able to give a visual representation of the themes he touched on: education, resilience, passion for learning, and pursuit of excellence by young Malala. Using anecdotes, he challenged students to strive for more, to invest in their education and take hold of the many opportunities available to them. He implored students to choose excellence, dream and be passionate in all their endeavors. Furthermore, Dr. Khan shared information on the strides his government has taken in ensuring the rights and equal participation of women in education.
The event was made possible by Dr. James O’Meara, College of Education at Texas A&M International University Dean. In a conversation between Dr. O’Meara and Dr. Khan, Dr. O’Meara expressed the importance of having Dr. Khan visit United South High School and speak to the students since the students were reading I am Malala as part of the selection of the school’s reading initiative: “Read to Lead: One Chapter a Day.” Accompanying Dr. Khan were Dr. O’Meara and Dr. Yvan Reid, Share World Open University Chancellor.
United South High School is grateful for the opportunity to provide students with a global perspective on issues of great importance-such as education. Through reading, it is the hope to inculcate a deep sense of awareness on the imperative to have a generation of educated young women and men. Special thanks to Librarian, Ms. Griselda Gonzalez and teachers: Ms. Linda Ramon, Mrs. Andrea Garza, Ms. Azucena Arredondo and Mr. Jesus Gonzalez.
