In the so called modern and developed society, one primarily driven by a desire for selfish material gain, our children are being harmed and robbed of their childhood by the changing social, academic, cultural and economic agendas and forces.
Global Measures Alarmingly Indicate:
Amongst the 1.9 billion children in the developing world:
1 billion live in poverty (every second child)
640 million without adequate shelter (1 in 3)
400 million with no access to safe water (1 in 5)
270 million with no access to health services (1 in 7)
To initiate a serious discourse on rediscovering and protecting childhood, the Sindh Education Foundation (SEF) - with the indispensable support of the Aga Khan Foundation - Pakistan, USAID and Catco Kids Inc. – organized at a local hotel:
A 3-day symposium on ‘Rediscovering Childhood’ from April 3-5, 2006 and
A day-long conference on ‘Early Childhood Development in Pakistan’ on April 6, 2006.
Dr. Adeeb-ul-Hasan Rizvi, the founder of the much renowned Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation (SIUT) inaugurated the 3 day symposium. Speaking from a doctor’s perspective he expressed concern that the ‘plasticity’ of the brains during the early years can have equally adverse effects if children are neglected or are put through upsetting experiences. Also addressing the numerous participants at the inaugural session of the symposium were Prof. Anita Ghulam Ali (S.I), Managing Director, SEF, Mr. Mohammedmian Soomro, Honorable Chairman Senate of Pakistan, Dr. Hamida Khuhro, Honorable Minister for Education, Government of Sindh.
All of them stressed that the government and citizens have to come together to promote the right of every child to his or her childhood and to work for better living conditions for children who are vulnerable and are at risk.
Dr. Jan Visser, a leading development scientist, spoke about uncertainty and the complexities of a world that has damaged human interactions. His keynote enquired into the development of values that shape human beings as responsible and selfless. Dr. William Crain, author of “Reclaiming Childhood” and other celebrated books, conversed with the participants over the phone on the importance of child-centered approaches to parenting and teaching.
The 3-day symposium was divided into the following four themes:
1. Social Institutions & Childhood – Family and School
2. Media, Technology & Childhood
3. Globalization and Shaping up of Childhood
4. Development & its Challenges to Childhood
Following is a summary of discussions that took place during the symposium under the aforementioned themes:
