ISLAMABAD: A grand puppet show at the Argentinian embassy on Wednesday to mark International Students’ Day brought together children from various schools in the twin cities on Wednesday.

Children from the Society for the Protection of the Rights of the Child (Sparc), Mashal Model School, Master Ayub’s Park School, Charagh-i-Badar and the House of Mercy Orphanage in Rawalpindi attended the show, along with students from the Islamabad Model Schools, girls and boys branches, the Rehabilitation Centre for Children with Development Disorders and the Care for Special Persons (CFSP) Foundation and Roots International and Beaconhouse School System.

“We need to learn to read and write, learn about history and geography and so many other things. But at school we also need to learn that playing and working together makes life more enjoyable while it also helps us to learn things faster and more easily.

“Our children need to know that teamwork is very important for getting the best results and in order to be part of a team, we have to respect one another,” Argentine Ambassador Ivan Ivanissevich said.

“Those who are different to us can always teach us something new, something about their traditions, language or the type of life they live. Sharing means putting aside differences between those who are rich and poor, differences of races or ethnic backgrounds, differences with regard to abilities,” he said.

The Rafi Peer Theatre was invited to the event from Lahore to entertain the children with songs and skits that emphasised the importance of respect for each other, working together and sharing.

The diversity of the audience also reinforced the positive message of the show.

Asma Sabah, a teacher from Beaconhouse, said: “Children are very interested in these sorts of events, especially puppet shows, which are very engaging. Children really enjoyed themselves here.”

Beaconhouse students Ahmad Rayan and Aman also said such shows were fun.

Ahmed, 8, remarked: “I like cartoons and funny things that make kids laugh.”

A faculty member from the Rehabilitation Centre for Children with Development Disorders, Samina Zafar, also praised the show and said the children enjoyed themselves tremendously.

“At the same time there have been positive messages the children have learnt because when children see something, they learn it. It is also a group activity outside the school for our children and that makes them happy,” she added.

Teachers from various schools said it was a rare opportunity for children from different backgrounds and schools to interact with and get to know each other. One said children’s lives are now restricted to their studies, with fewer activities compared to previous generations.

Islamabad Mayor Sheikh Anser Aziz, who was invited as the chief guest, sat with the children to watch the show.

He said: “We had planned to hold this show at Argentina Park with the Argentine embassy, but due to the inclement weather we shifted it indoors. Pakistan and Argentina’s relations are very strong and we do events at the park regularly; this particular event is for the benefit and entertainment of young children, and we should try to hold more such activities for our children.”

Published in Dawn, November 15th, 2018