GILGIT: The Gilgit-Baltistan Summer Fiesta 2023 concluded on Friday during which over 28,000 school students were imparted training in various fields, including financial literacy, information technology, mental health, artificial intelligence and climate change.

Experts and professionals from different institutions and organisations of the country conducted sessions for the students.

The summer fiesta to empower the youth was organised in 10 districts of Gilgit-Baltistan on May 2. About 28,000 students participated in multiple activities under the event and got training from leading experts and professionals. The GB government in collaboration with 18 national organisations arranged the event.

The events comprised IT bootcamps, health awareness sessions, mental health education, chess camps and career counselling sessions.

Official says health, education top priorities of Gilgit-Baltistan govt

“Summer Fiesta GB 2023 aimed to provide a unique platform for students to explore diverse career opportunities and gain valuable insights from esteemed institutions and organisations,” the GB government in a statement said.

“It is our belief that every student possesses immense potential and this event sought to ignite their curiosity, encourage innovation and inspire them to pursue their passions with confidence.”

The government’s partners in arranging the event were Lums, Karandaaz, PNCA, Idara Taleem-o-Agahi, Steam Pakistan, NHA, Learn Obots, Knowledge Platform, AKU, AKRSP, Rupani Foundation, GBRSP, Health Department, UNDP, WWF, Rescue 1122 and the Social Welfare Department.

Above 30 sessions on financial training were held across Kharmang, Nagar, Skardu, Ghanche districts in partnership with National Institute of Banking and Finance (NIBAF)-Pakistan and GBRSP in which more than 1,000 students participated.

Steam Pakistan’s astronomy camp was organised in Skardu in which students got to use a sundial to tell time, saw the sun’s spots through a telescope and learnt about the Big Bang.

Waqarullah Baig comes from a far-flung area and studies at government boys high school Phander in Ghizer. He has developed a bluetooth antenna project whose range is about 200 metres and can be used to transmit photos, images and voice. This project uses low-cost materials and is an excellent showcase of the talent of the students of GB.

Summer Fiesta 2023 concluded in Shigar district where female students said they learnt about computer science, mental health, physical health and others.

Students participated enthusiastically in the event and many experts delivered lectures. This helped students develop skills, self-confidence. Students in Diamer displaced their items such as painting and handcraft.

Fawad who hails from Danyur Gilgit is visually impaired, but he is a fantastic musician. The National College of Arts (NCA) accommodated him in a group musical performance.

The concluding ceremony of the event was held at the Girls Higher Secondary School Kashrot Gilgit.

GB Assembly members Suraya Zaman, Dilshad Bano, Sanam Faryyad, Chief Secretary Mohyuddin Ahmed Wani, KIU Vice Chancellor Dr Attaullah Shah, Secretary Education Rehman Shah and a large number of students participated in the event.

Speaking on the occasion, the chief secretary said health and education are top priorities of the GB government. “Many initiatives, including meal programme in schools and smart schools, have been taken to promote education in the government schools,” he said.

He said the government had approved a project for establishment of learning management system (LMS) labs in 200 government schools in GB which were an addition to the 37 labs already established and the 55 LMS labs which will be completed in the next six weeks.

“The newly approved 200 labs will be established in the next three months.This initiative aligns with the government’s commitment to modernise the education system and provide students with access to cutting-edge technology and resources,” he added.

Published in Dawn, July 15th, 2023