In a significant engagement aimed at fostering educational opportunities and resilience in the face of adversity, U.S. Consul General Ms. Kristin K. Hawkins graced the premises of Islamia University of Bahawalpur (IUB).
The focal point of her visit was to meet with the deserving recipients of the USAID Flood Affected Areas Scholarship program at IUB. Stepping onto the campus, Ms. Hawkins commenced her itinerary with a meeting at the office of Prof. Dr. Naveed Akhtar, the acting Vice Chancellor, located at the Baghdad ul Jadeed Campus.
A distinguished gathering welcomed the Consul General, including Director General Scholarships of the Higher Education Commission, Aayesha Ikram, Prof. Dr. Rubina Bhatti, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Prof. Dr. Irshad Hussain, Dean of the Faculty of Education, and other esteemed officials. The Vice Chancellor provided a comprehensive overview of IUB’s rich history and its vibrant student body.
Expressing admiration for the university’s proactive measures in catering to the diverse needs of its student community, CG Ms. Hawkins conveyed her eagerness for prospective collaborations across various domains, notably in the realm of scholarships.
During her stay, Ms. Hawkins actively engaged in a roundtable discussion with the beneficiaries of the USAID Flood Affected Areas Scholarship program. Moved by their tales of resilience in the aftermath of devastating floods, she listened intently to their narratives of overcoming obstacles. The students, grateful for the lifeline provided by the scholarship, shared how it had not only resurrected their aspirations for higher education but also instilled in them a sense of responsibility to effect positive change in their localities.
The scholarship, a beacon of hope amidst adversity, has empowered these students to become catalysts for change, fostering diversity and advocating for climate action to mitigate future disasters.
The event witnessed the presence of key stakeholders including Rao Muhammad Azhar, Project Director of the US Funded Merit and Need-Based Scholarship Program at HEC, Hassan Saif, PD/Digital Production, IO Methew Wilson, Control Officer, Arshia Bano, USAID Lahore Team Lead, and faculty members Dr. Asif Nadeem, Fatima Junaid, Aga Sadaf Mehdi, and Muzammil Fayaz, further underscoring the collaborative spirit driving these initiatives forward.
In essence, the visit of Consul General Kristin K. Hawkins epitomized a shared commitment towards fostering educational resilience and empowering communities to thrive amidst adversity.
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