Pakistan High Commission, London
Learning Fiesta – Parhay Pakistan: Celebrating 25 Years of Innovation, Inclusion & Learning with Idara-e-Taleem-o-Aagahi
The Pakistan High Commission in London, together with Idara-e-Taleem-o-Aagahi (ITA), organised the Learning Fiesta – Parhay Pakistan to commemorate ITA’s 25-year journey of advancing inclusive, equitable, and quality education in Pakistan.
Deputy High Commissioner Mr. Haseeb bin Aziz, in his address, acknowledged ITA’s longstanding contributions towards reshaping Pakistan’s education landscape. He also highlighted the initiatives being taken by the Government of Pakistan to enhance access to quality learning opportunities nationwide.
The programme opened with remarks from Ms. Naila Mir, Chair of ITA UK & CEO of P3 Connect UK, and Ms. Baela Raza Jamil, CEO of ITA Pakistan. A message from Mr. Kazim Saeed, Chair of ITA Pakistan, was also shared with the audience. Representing the UK, Ms. Charlotte Duncan, Deputy Head of the Girls’ Education Department at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), reiterated the UK government’s ongoing support for inclusive learning and girls’ education in Pakistan.
One of the most memorable moments of the evening was the launch of the Dr. Arif Naveed Education Prize at the University of Cambridge. Announced by Professor Kamal A. Munir, Senior Pro-Vice-Chancellor, the award honours the legacy of the late Dr. Arif Naveed, a respected Pakistani social scientist who dedicated his career to social justice and educational reform. The prize will provide support to scholars and students committed to advancing equity in education.
The keynote address, delivered by Dr. Caroline Harper CBE, CEO of Sightsavers, was titled “Education for All: Progress and Perils on Our Quest to Leave No Child Behind.” She spoke passionately about the urgent global need to strengthen inclusive education systems, particularly for children with disabilities and visual impairments.
The Fiesta featured an inspiring line-up of sessions and performances. British-Pakistani author and poet Hussain Manawer opened with an emotional poetry reading, setting the tone for an engaging day. A variety of Spotlight and Thematic Sessions followed, covering themes such as storytelling, maker arts, STEM learning, AI and EdTech innovations, inclusion in early childhood education, and groundbreaking research on equity and social justice by organisations including Real Center, BrainSpark Games, Augimono, ScienFuse, and OPERA. These sessions reflected strong Pakistan-UK collaborations aimed at designing practical, innovative, and culturally relevant solutions for education.
Participants also heard from alumni who shared their personal journeys and the transformative role ITA’s programmes have played in shaping their lives and communities. Dr. Alison Buxton, Director of Maker{Futures}, and Ms. Saman Qarni led a creative session on digital storytelling, exploring tools such as coding platforms, computing, and stop-motion animation to boost literacy and creativity.
The event further came alive with artistic contributions live illustrations by Dr. Julia Hayes and a special artwork showcase and charity sale featuring pieces by renowned Pakistani artist Fauzia Minallah Khan (Advisor, Pakistan Learning Festival) and Shahida Ahmed (Trustee, ITA UK). These artistic elements celebrated the link between education, culture, and community, adding depth to the festival’s theme of inclusion and creativity.
Marking ITA’s 25-year milestone, the Learning Fiesta – Parhay Pakistan was more than just a celebration it was a reaffirmation of commitment to transforming education in Pakistan. Bringing together voices from academia, the arts, and the development sector, the event served as a vibrant platform for dialogue, collaboration, and collective action. With Pakistan still facing challenges in the education sector, such international partnerships remain crucial to ensuring that no child is left behind.
