ISLAMABAD, Oct 07 (APP):The Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA), through its National Puppet Theatre (NPT) and Children Art Workshop (CAW), brought a colourful blend of culture, education and social awareness to the students of OPF Girls College, engaging around 4,500 students from primary to higher secondary levels during a two-day programme held on October 6 and 7.
Organized in collaboration with the Character Building Society of OPF Girls College under PNCA’s Outreach Programme, the puppet shows used the traditional art of puppetry to entertain young audiences while imparting meaningful lessons on some of the key social and environmental challenges facing society.
The performances featured elements of Pakistan’s folk culture and traditional dances, woven together with messages on climate change, cleanliness, prevention of drug addiction, healthy and constructive activities, responsible use of screens and mental health. The colourful puppets and lively presentations helped turn serious issues into accessible and engaging lessons for students of different age groups.
The programme generated an enthusiastic response from the students, who actively participated in the performances and appreciated the combination of entertainment and learning. Several students described the experience as “the most amazing experience of their life” and expressed a desire to see similar educational and cultural activities organized on a regular basis.
Director General Education and Training, OPF, Mahesh Kumar, and Director General PNCA, Ayoub Jamali, attended the programme and took part in activities aimed at reinforcing the broader messages of the initiative.
As part of the awareness campaign, the distinguished guests and students participated in a walk against drug addiction, emphasizing the importance of educating young people about the harmful consequences of drug abuse and encouraging them to adopt healthy and positive lifestyles.
The programme also carried an environmental message, with the guests planting a sapling as a symbol of collective responsibility towards environmental protection and the creation of a greener and healthier future.
Alongside the performances and awareness activities, the leadership of PNCA and OPF Girls College held discussions on expanding cooperation between the two institutions. The meeting explored the possibility of launching joint cultural and educational initiatives, including puppet shows and stage plays specifically designed for students.
The proposed programmes would address issues such as drug addiction, violence, child protection, harassment, climate change and other challenges affecting the well-being and development of young people.
Through its National Puppet Theatre and Children Art Workshop, PNCA has continued to promote puppetry as a form of “education-based entertainment”, particularly for children and young audiences. Under its Outreach Programme, the NPT takes cultural and educational performances to schools and other educational institutions, using art to combine entertainment with awareness, creativity, cultural learning and character building.
The collaboration with OPF Girls College underscored the potential of cultural and educational institutions to work together in nurturing informed, responsible and socially conscious young people. Both institutions expressed their commitment to further strengthening such initiatives to support the educational, creative and personal development of students.
Source: APP (Associated Press of Pakistan)
