By Ajmal Khan Yousafzai
Islamabad: A Prize Distribution Ceremony was held on Tuesday for the winners and participants of the Motivational Art Competition “Defeating COVID-19” at The Millennium Education (TME), Wahid Campus, Islamabad. This art competition was jointly organized by, “Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS), and Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Pakistan.
The Ceremony was moderated by Lt Col Khalid Taimur Akram (Retd),Executive Director, CGSS and formally commenced with the Presentation by Ms. Mehreen Gul, Director CGSS who gave an overview of the Competition and shared various artworks that were sent by the students from across Pakistan and Uzbekistan. She stated that such activities are significant for the youth to mitigate the negativities in the post COVID-19 era.
Major General Syed Khalid Amir Jaffery HI(M), (Retd), President, CGSS during his speech appreciated and applauded the students of The Millennium Education for their wide participation. He stated that the role of The Millennium Education, Pakistan is commendable as they encouraged their students to actively participate in this competition.
Lieutenant. Colonel Saadullah Tashmatov, Charge de Affairs, Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan presented speech and stated that the youth of Pakistan is very energetic and he envisions a bright future of Pakistan. He appreciated the role of CGSS for organizing this competition in crucial times. He stated that these children acted as the ray of hope in the gloomiest times. Youth has a very important role in cultural connectivity whichhas been exhibited through this art competition.
Ms. Sabina Zakir, Director Communication, Community & Outreach, Roots Millennium Schools, Pakistan welcomed the participants while appreciating CGSS and Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan for organizing such healthy activity for the students amid the pandemic. She stated that CGSS always takes initiatives to createopportunities for studentsfor their portfolio building. She stated that we are happy to see our children back to school.
The speeches were followed by the prize distribution including certificates and medals for the position holders. All other participants were also awarded with the Certificate of Appreciation.
This art competition was organized when educational institutions were closed due to the pandemic lockdown with the aim to keep the students busy and provide them the opportunity to showcase their creativity in a healthy manner and bring hope in the crisis situation to fight against COVID-19. This competition also proved to be a source of increased and strengthened people to people contact between Pakistan & Uzbekistan. The competition was open for students all over Pakistan & Uzbekistan for children aging 8-15 years.
This competition received 577 total entries including 44 from Uzbekistan and 246 from other schools of Pakistan. It is worth mentioning that the students of The Millennium Education (TME), Pakistan widely participated in the art competition with a total number of 287 entries. The names of the position holders are as below:
• First Position: Ms. Dua Ahmed – Roots Millennium School, One World Campus
• Second Position: Mr. Hassaan TahirRoots Millennium School, Waterloo Campus, PWD
• Third Position: Mr. Syed Ibrahim Raza Roots Millennium School, Wahid Campus
