Study in French universities for higher education

French envoy hosts reception for students
Islamabad, Apr 29: To wish Pakistani students chosen for higher education in France a successful and pleasant stay in his country, French Ambassador Daniel Jouannau hosted a reception at his residence.

The reception was attended by the current batch of students; a few of those who have already been to France and returned and about half a dozen heads of universities from where the grantees have been selected. Also present was Director General Foreign Affairs, President's Secretariat, Farukh Amil. The students will be receiving higher education in the field of scientific research.

Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Jouannau said that over 500 students were studying in France and were excellent ambassadors of their country. He admitted there was a wrong perception about Pakistan and prejudice as well which needs to be countered and the young students were the best people to do it. "Talk to everyone about your country. Tell them about your heritage and culture. People are keen to know but unfortunately only negative stories are printed for public consumption," he said. He said France was committed to encourage higher education in Pakistan and would increase the number of students in time to come because it too was suffering from an economic crunch like other countries.

He then announced that an exhibition on the Gandhara civilisation had already been inaugurated in Paris, there were posters everywhere and it had received good media coverage. In the weeks to come there will be a month long cultural extravaganza featuring many aspects of Pakistan's culture.

Speaking of the cooperation between the embassy of France and the Higher Education Commission (HEC) he said it was working out to be a good partnership as the HEC provided the funds and the embassy facilitated the students by placing them in the best universities both in and outside Paris, where they would get the same facilities as French students. He concluded by wishing the grantees good luck and bon voyage.

Attache for Science and Technology, Sandie Favier, said something so nice and positive about Pakistani students that it has to be passed on! She said many students did such excellent work in their area of study that they were very often asked to stay on with the awarding of a second, direct grant from the institution they were studying or working in.

Farukh Amil said he had recently joined the President's Secretariat because 'the presidency was interested in promoting higher education.' Since not many people believe this statement because of the record so far, it is probably his interest and commitment which may yield results in future! Heads of universities in Lahore and Faisalabad were somewhat disappointed that the good work initiated in their seat of learning was not appreciated or highlighted in the media and from what they told, it certainly needs to be so that a more positive image of Pakistan is broadcast to the world.

The students themselves were looking forward to their study and were very interested to learn of their experiences from those who had already been there. One of the girls wanted to know if she should carry some food items - you do get homesick for your own cuisine when abroad - but she was assured it was not necessary as everything was available and if she was keen she could cook. It was good to see that half the grantees were female because it shows that our girls are no less - maybe even better - than the boys when it comes to using their brains - they just need encouragement and the opportunity.

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FAST-NU Open House 2010 held
Islamabad: The open house for the year 2010 of National University of Computer and Emerging Sciences (FAST-NU) was held here on Wednesday for placement and recruitment of graduating students of BS and MS (Computer Science), BS (Telecom Engineering) and BBA and MBA.

It provided an opportunity to the industry to interact with the graduating students for the purpose of recruitment to their respective firms and companies. The students were interviewed and evaluated on the basis of their final year projects for possible recruitment.

In his welcome address FAST-NU Director Dr. Aftab Ahmad said that this year the Islamabad Campus is sending into the industry around 386 students. "Out of them, 126 are from BS (Computer Science) and 15 from MS (Computer Science), while 115 students are getting their BS degree in telecom engineering. Graduating batch also includes 68 students from BBA and 64 from MBA," he added.

FAST-NU Rector Dr. Amir Muhammad said that essentially the event would give the corporate sector an opportunity to judge how endowed and competitive the upcoming generation is, managing to attract them by setting higher goals.

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'Bazm-e-Urdu' at NUML
Islamabad: The students of Urdu Department of National University of Modern Languages (NUML) presented colourful programmes in the first ever programme 'Bazm-e-Urdu' held at the university today.

Local as well as foreign students presented interesting and well informative skits, patriotic songs, 'Naat' and participated in the speech competition in Urdu language.

Among participants of Urdu speech competition, Duniya Yusuf clinched first prize. While Faizullah and Andleeb Zara got second and third prize respectively.

Other activities especially skit based on historical story `Anarkali' by foreign students amused the participants and received huge applause.

The students of Urdu Department also presented poetry of Iqbal and Faiz in rhythm. Renowned Urdu poet Sarfraz Shahid was among the chief guests.

He appreciated talent of the students and recited some of his beautiful humorous poetry.

Moroccan Ambassador Mohammad Raza Alfasi, as a chief guest, lauded the efforts of students and faculty members of the university in arranging such event. He appreciated the rising standards in higher education in Pakistan and said "it will ensure better future for the coming generations".

Earlier, NUML Rector Dr Aziz Ahmad Khan said Urdu Department has organised this programme after a long period. The department is working for the promotion of Urdu language for many years and got recognition in the world of Urdu literature. The news

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Drama festival at Beaconhouse
Islamabad: A colourful drama festival was organised and staged by the Beaconhouse School, F-11 Campus, Islamabad, on Wednesday evening.

The excerpts of sayings, songs and plays, were from the works of well known poets and playwrights like Sir Oscar Wilde.

Some drama descriptions were also in Urdu and were drawn from history...the era of Moghul grandeur, justice and opulence, as it was during the reign of Emperor Jallaluddin Mohammad Akbar.

The students were very prompt and performed their roles very well. The audience too was admiring and appreciative.

Everybody was in claps and praise when a play based on the historical harmony between Akbar and his courtier, one of the Nine Gems of his court, the wise Birbal, was staged and enacted brilliantly by the students.

Same was the case with "The Happy Prince", by Sir Oscar Wilde. Dialy times

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Transfers, postings in FDE
Islamabad: Ministry of Education Wednesday ordered transfers and postings in the Federal Directorate of Education (FDE) Islamabad with immediate effect. The official sources said that the notification in this connection has been issued with approval of the education minister.Asif Iqbal Khan has been appointed as director administration after being transferred from the seat of estate director. Professor Tariq Masood has been posted as estate director. Other appointments include director budget Ghulam Hussain Soho, director coordination Ashraf Nadeem, director planning Shahid Khan, director development Professor Waqar Ashraf and area education officer Bashir Ahmad Arain.

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Police to hold two summer schools for kids
Islamabad: The Islamabad Police will start two summer schools for children aged between 6 and 15 years during summer vacation at the Police Lines in Sector H-11.

The first summer school will start on June 7, while the second will commence on July 12, the police spokesman said.

Children will be given admission in basic computer learning, swimming, horse-riding, martial arts and other courses.

This was stated by SSP (Headquarters) Muhammad Zubair Hashmi while finalising the programme for summer schools. He said that the aim of arranging such courses for children is to promote community policing.

Zubair Hashmi, stating details about summer schools, said that admissions would be given to children in basic computer, martial arts, swimming, horse-riding, music and other courses.

Classes would be held from 8 a.m. to 10.30 a.m. in the morning, while from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the evening. The facility of pick and drop would be provided to children.

For more details about summer schools, people are advised to contact Police Lines Headquarters on telephone number 051-9258371. The news

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