HYDERABAD: Many students in Thar while visiting different schools in the sand dunes area are intelligent and just in need of opportunities and in this regard and the Thar Science Festival would be mega opportunity for them. Samiullah Sanjrani, Chief Monitoring Officer (Education) Tharparkar in meeting with members of non-profit organisations working on education in Thar said that nations have used mathematics and science to empower their citizens with higher incomes and to help grow their economics. For us maths and science education was not only integral to Pakistan’s prospects for economic growth, but also, to its ability to defend its people from threat of violence, both globally and locally. Thar is a scattered area having lack of facilities but despite limited resources many teachers are hardworking and they are doing their best and attaining the first position of Thari students in SAT (standardized achievement) is the best example. Sanjrani encouraged all institutions working on education in Thar and appreciated the schools. He said that teachers and the community should own schools and prepare their children for this event as well as ensure active participation. Education Department’s Office has taken steps to arrange a Science Mela in Tharparkar, in support with the Thar Education Alliance (network of organisations working on education in Thar). Dolat Ram, District Education Officer (Secondary) stated that this was the best way to explore the hidden talent and provide opportunities to the students. District Education Department would fully cooperate and ensure effective participation of the students. He said that many students have initiated to work on scientific models and it would be a great competition. He appreciated as girls and boys have separate prizes, good way to boost up girls education. Naseer Ahmed Jogi, District Education Officer (Primary) said that its the first time primary students have been part of maths and science tests, by that way they would properly know objective type tests as well as be capable to actively take part in tests. He said in Government Boys Primary School North Colony Mithi, the first ever science lab has been set up by Vijay Sharma, Head Master of the School. They would hopefully replicate that model and all schools would have labs in future. Partab Shivani from Thar Education Alliance said that Tharparkar would be second city outside of two urban centres celebrating science by conducting a one day test on January 28 and two-day festival (February 14-15) focusing on science. This will not only be a platform for organisations working on science to engage students through fun science and robotics activities, but also for students to showcase their talents to a host of stakeholders. Tests would be conducted from four to twelfth grade students from both public and private institutions of District Tharparkar whereas on February 14 and 15, Thar Science Festival would be held at Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Cultural Complex Mithi in which students would present models. Shivani said that ould Mela will target school children and invite participation from private and public schools, participation of multiple stakeholders is expected, including private sector science based organisations, private non-profit organisations, politicians, celebrities, universities and academia and media as well. In last day winning students would be rewarded with awards including laptops, tablets, medals and certificates. This activity will allow children a chance to be a part of different demonstrations where simple scientific concepts will be taught through a practical and hands-on approach. Published in Daily Times, January 25th 2018.