SEF, Sindh Boy Scouts launch initiative to expand scouting across Foundation-assisted schools*
KARACHI: The Sindh Education Foundation (SEF), Government of Sindh has initiated a collaboration with the Sindh Boy Scouts Association by holding a Group Scout Leadership Seminar aimed at promoting leadership, discipline and community service among students enrolled in Foundation Assisted Schools.
The seminar, held at the Sindh Boy Scouts Association headquarters in Karachi, brought together representatives from 32 Foundation Assisted Schools, including head teachers, faculty members and students.
The event was attended by SEF Managing Director Gahanwer Ali Laghari, Deputy Managing Director Shahpara Rizvi, Regional Head Karachi Ashfaque Hussain Meerani, senior directors, assistant directors and other officials. The Sindh Boy Scouts Association was represented by Provincial Scout Secretary Syed Akhter Meer, and other office-bearers.
Addressing the seminar, Provincial Scout Secretary Syed Akhter Meer welcomed the participation of SEF schools and said introducing students to the history and values of scouting would encourage them to become part of a global movement focused on leadership, character building and service.
He also recalled the support extended to the scouting movement by the late Prof Dr Anita Ghulam Ali during her tenure at SEF, saying it was encouraging to witness the Foundation continuing the same commitment under the leadership of Managing Director Gahanwer Ali Laghari.
Participants were also briefed on the history of the scouting movement in Sindh, its achievements and future roadmap through a presentation highlighting the organisation’s contribution to youth development.
Former senior bureaucrat Ghulam Ali Pasha said leadership and discipline could not be developed through classroom education alone, stressing that scouting provides young people with practical exposure to teamwork, responsibility and community service. He described such initiatives as essential for preparing students to become confident and responsible leaders.
Speaking on the occasion, SEF Managing Director Gahanwer Ali Laghari said the Foundation’s mandate extended beyond improving access to education and academic outcomes.
“Alongside quality education, we want our students to develop leadership, discipline and a sense of responsibility. Through scouting, they will have an opportunity to become part of an international movement that promotes these values,” he said.
Laghari announced that SEF and the Sindh Boy Scouts Association would jointly organise a series of scouting activities across Foundation Assisted Schools throughout the province. He said the initiative had been launched with schools in Karachi and would gradually be expanded to all SEF-supported schools.
“Our objective is to engage the entire network of Foundation Assisted Schools, and we are hopeful that within the next one-and-a-half years, scouting activities will be introduced across the province,” he added.
The initiative is expected to provide students with greater opportunities for leadership development, teamwork and community engagement alongside their academic education.
