June 1, 2024
By Ali Ahmad
LAHORE
In an event held at the Forman Christian College & University (FCCU) organized by the Center for Law and Justice (CLJ) 30 female students graduated completing the Khushhali or Prosperity Fellowship Program.
This program led by Mary James Gill and Asif Aqeel, is a first of its kind and was developed in collaboration with the British Council, the University of Lancaster, and Forman Christian College (A Chartered University), and aims to empower young girls from the families of sanitation workers in Lahore’s underserved slums. The program supports these girls in overcoming educational barriers and improving their occupational mobility, paving pathways to prosperity for a promising future.
Many eminent personalities joined in the event, including Speaker of Punjab Assembly, Malik M. Ahmad Khan, who was chief guest, as well as Nicolas Galey, the French Ambassador to Pakistan, Clara Strandhoj, Head of British High Commission (Lahore Office), Rector of FCCU, Dr. Jonathan Addleton; Minister School Education Punjab, Rana Sikandar Hayat, Minister to minorities, Ramesh Singh Arora, Secretary of Women Development, Sumaira Sammad, Hafiz Allah Niazi, Usama Khawar, Lubna Mansoor, special secretary higher education among others.
The fellows and graduates received certificates, a documentary was screened and a musical performance was also held.
Asif Aqeel highlighted that the children of religious minorities did not always receive the same kind of resources as others, and this was one reason why the program had been initiated. In specific the program aimed to empower the daughter of sanitary workers, the most marginalized sector of society. Aqeel emphasized the importance of continued support and initiatives to uplift the families of sanitation workers and ensure a brighter future for their children.