In a bid to honor the legacy of the late prodigy Arfa Karim and to delve into the realms of education, social innovation, and development, the Punjab University (PU) Department of Social Work, Sughra Begum Center for Education Policy and Development, and the Arfa Karim Foundation joined hands to organize a seminar titled ‘Education, Social Innovation and Social Development: Arfa Karim’s Dream.’ The event took place at the prestigious Al Raazi Hall, drawing the attention of academicians, students, and stakeholders alike.
The seminar provided a platform for thought leaders and educators to discuss the pivotal role of education in fostering social innovation and driving sustainable development, echoing the vision championed by Arfa Karim during her remarkable life.
Distinguished figures from academia and the philanthropic sector graced the occasion, including Dr. Sonia Umar, Director of the Sughra Begum Center for Education Policy and Development; Dr. Uzma Ashiq, Chairperson of the Department of Social Work; Samina Karim, Chairperson of the Arfa Karim Foundation; Tabinda Islam, Chief Executive Officer; Dr. Rubeena Zakar, Director of Social and Cultural Studies; Dr. Amjad Abbas Magsi, President of the Academic Staff Association; Dr. Kamran Abid, Director of GG IT; Dr. Mahboob Hussain, Chairman of the History Department, alongside faculty members and a large cohort of students.
A significant highlight of the event was the inauguration of the Arfa Karim Fellowship program, a noble initiative aimed at nurturing talent and providing educational opportunities to deserving students. Under this program, 50 students will be awarded scholarships, fostering academic excellence and empowering individuals to pursue their dreams.
Moreover, the Arfa Karim Foundation made a groundbreaking announcement during the seminar. It revealed plans to initiate an IT project led by teachers inspired by Arfa’s legacy. This project is envisioned to harness the power of technology to bridge educational gaps, particularly targeting out-of-school children. The speakers emphasized that advancements in the IT sector present unprecedented opportunities to reach marginalized communities and provide them with quality education, echoing Arfa Karim’s unwavering belief in the transformative potential of technology.
Reflecting on the significance of the seminar, Dr. Sonia Umar remarked, “Arfa Karim was a symbol of brilliance and innovation. By commemorating her legacy through initiatives like the Arfa Karim Fellowship program and the IT project, we are not only honoring her memory but also striving to actualize her vision of a better-educated and empowered society.”
The seminar concluded on a note of optimism, with participants reaffirming their commitment to leveraging education and social innovation as catalysts for positive change. As Arfa Karim’s dream continues to inspire generations, endeavors like these serve as beacons of hope, guiding us towards a more equitable and prosperous future.
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