Happenings
SPELT Celebrates 40 Years of Empowering Teachers
Society of Pakistan English Language Teachers (SPELT) recently celebrated its Landmark 40th Anniversary by holding two successful events, a “Celebratory Press Meet & Greet” at the PACC and later on its Annual International Conference at four different venues including Habib University.
Exercising voluntary zeal, SPELT has navigated four decades of empowering teachers, educators, and academics with a focus on uplifting the standards of professional development.
The SPELT Speakers President Mohsin Tejani, Vice President Dr. Fauzia Shamim, Conference Lead Dr. Maliha Ahmed and Outreach Lead Gul Jaffri spoke on the significance of the outreach and networking by organizations such as SPELT and shared SPELT’s mission and its vision forward.
“Press meet & Greet” had two engaging and thought-provoking panel discussions on the topics of “Education in a State of Emergency – Focus on Teacher Training” and “Has Media Deteriorated as a Source of Educational Values and Coherence?”. Distinguished panellists of scholars, authors and educationists such as Ms. Baela Raza Jamil, Dr Farid Panjwani, Muneeza Shamsi, Hameed Haroon, Ghazi Salahuddin, Mazhar Abbas, Seema Tahir Khan and Zebunnisa Burki captured the audience’s attention with their in-depth conversations.
The culmination of SPELT’s 40th Anniversary Celebrations was the two day SPELT International Conference titled of “Transitions in ELT: Past, Present and Future.” The conference drew over 600 enthusiastic educators. With a rich program of symposia, panel discussions, keynotes, talks, and workshops, the event offered a transformative experience for participants.
The conference featured prominent international speakers alongside nationally recognized figures like Arfa Sayeda Zehra. Educators from all over Sindh and beyond gathered to create a melting pot of perspectives and strategies for teaching. A highlight was the innovative World Café hosted by Prof. Abbas Husain, which provided a unique platform for collaborative discussions and reflections.
A particularly memorable aspect was the presence of SPELT’s founding members, celebrating 40 years of the organization. Amberina Kazi, Farida Faizullah, Anisa Mumtaz, Fauzia Shamim, Fatima Shahabudin, Zakia Sarwar and Abbas Husain. Along with the founding members the seasoned senior SPELTers such as Khalida Saadat, Dr Nasreen Hussain, Gul Jaffri and Lubna Punjwani were honoured for their longstanding services. Posthumous award of dedication and service excellence was also awarded to (late) Lubna Mohyeddin.
The conference’s central theme revolved around Artificial Intelligence and its implications for education. Discussions across venues delved into AI’s potential to transform teaching and learning, as well as the challenges it poses. Speakers reflected on how technological advances, from the printing press to television have historically reshaped societies. However, the impact of AI on intellectual professions like teaching has created a sense of urgency and unease.
The conference also underscored the resilience and hope embodied by young educators. Teachers emerged as central to shaping the educational landscape, capable of driving meaningful change despite challenges.
National Epilepsy Centre, JPMC along with Epilepsy Association of Pakistan, held a press conference at Port Grand recently. This event marked a unified initiative to launch February 28th as National Epilepsy Day and designate February as National Epilepsy Awareness Month.
The press meet was graced by Murtaza Wahab Siddiqui, the Mayor of Karachi as the Chief Guest, with Nadia Jamil, a celebrated actor and an individual living with epilepsy, as the Guest of Honour.
Dr Zarine Mogal, the president of the Epilepsy Association, highlighted the significance of International Epilepsy Day, celebrated globally on the second Monday of February, and the relevance of earmarking February 28th, the birth anniversary of Abdul Sattar Edhi Sahib, Pakistan’s most renowned humanitarian who also lived with epilepsy. By recognizing Abdul Sattar Edhi Sahib’s birthday as National Epilepsy Day, the initiative aims to celebrate people with epilepsy, who with resilience and determination can achieve great heights despite epilepsy.
She emphasized the pressing need to continue sustained awareness campaigns about epilepsy, a treatable neurological condition that affects approximately 1% of Pakistan’s population—equivalent to 2.2 million individuals. Dr Zarine Mogal mentioned that the health ministry Govt of Pakistan has been approached for their endorsement as the initiative begins from the city today. She requested every person from all walks of life to join hands to inspire hope, foster understanding, and create a supportive environment for 2.2 million people living with epilepsy in Pakistan.
Port Grand the city’s iconic harbour front development launched “The Grand Geetmala,” an enjoyable live musical experience that celebrates the timeless lyrics and songs of legendary subcontinental singers. “The Grand Geetmala” is the latest addition to Port Grand’s monthly entertainment calendar and will be a regular feature. This launch programme is designed to evoke nostalgia and pay tribute to the rich musical heritage of the subcontinent.
A private premiere show was held recently, attended by the city’s elite and notables. The evening unfolded with food, aesthetic settings and captivating performances, culminating in a memorable night that extended into the early hours of Sunday.
Committed to preserving national values, tradition, and ensuring guest safety, Port Grand established itself as a family destination for entertainment, dining, and cultural experiences in Pakistan including music, art, culture, culinary delights and festivals.
Pakistan Federation of Business and Professional Women’s Organization celebrated its 70th Anniversary on December 7, 2024. The organisation was founded by Dr. Salima R Ahmed (Late) in 1954 which was inaugurated by Begum Liaquat Ali Khan. It is presently headed by Ms. Nasreen Mahdi. A function was organized by the NGO to pay tribute to the pioneers appreciating their contribution. The chief guests were Sultana Siddiqui, Khanum Gauhar Aijaz, Mrs. Masuda Ahmed, Ms. Ayesha Islam, Ms. Akram Khatoon, Ms Rashida Raza, Begum Jamila Daud and Advocate Zia Awan.
The President in her speech highlighted the contribution of Dr. Salima R Ahmed, the founder who led the organization for 63 years. She pointed out that the NGO exists in seven cities of Pakistan and some of the projects the organization is running are Working Women’s Hostels, Schools, Craft Centres, Housing Societies and Medical Care Centres etc. and upcoming projects like Girls College in Gharo.
The function was attended by the members of the Pakistan Federation of Business and Professional Women’s Organisation and guests. The dances and skits presented by the students of Dr. S R A BPW Quality School were enjoyed by those present. Sultana Siddiqui, President Hum Network spoke about the days when she actively participated in the NGO and the work of Salima Ahmed. Each guest highlighted the early days of the organisation. Shields were presented to all the chief guests and gifts to school children.
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