Oxford donates books for flood survivor children

Thatta, April 07, 2011 (PPI): Oxford University Press (OUP) Pakistan donated books for flood survivor children here. A release said OUP is committed to furthering the cause of education and learning among the disadvantaged communities in the country. The recent floods in Pakistan have destroyed many schools, depriving children of basic education. With the beginning of the reconstruction phase OUP Pakistan is supporting the rehabilitation efforts by contributing more than 300,000 copies of especially developed storybooks for children in three languages including Sindhi, Urdu and English. These books were distributed to the children in the flood affected areas through UNICEF’s Temporary Learning Centers (TLC), operating throughout Sindh.

The books were presented at a formal ceremony held at the TLC in Thatta.

Speaking on the occasion, Ameena Saiyid, Managing Director OUP Pakistan said that the devastating floods in Pakistan have not only taken a tragic toll of life and property, they have also weakened the educational system.

She said that the OUP Pakistan has decided to contribute towards redressing it by contributing these books. She further pointed out each book has been colourfully illustrated and has activities to keep readers engaged even after they have finished reading the story.

Asif Qureshi, EDO Education Thatta, Azhar Adil, Deputy Programme Manager, Reform Support Unit Government of Sindh Neil Tomkins, Managing Director International Division OUP UK and Andro Shilakadze, Chief Field Officer, UNICEF Sindh also spoke.