On June 2, a fundraiser dinner was organized for Takmil Foundation by its co-founder Dr. Zanib Khan from Alberta and Mr. Naveed Waraich from PCCA-BC, along with their volunteer team . This event was part of the TAKMIL fundraising North America Tour to support the charity in providing education to out-of-school children in remote and rural communities in Pakistan with no or limited access to education.
Ms. Rabia Desthagir and Mr. Tauseef Waraich served as the masters of ceremonies. Dr. Zanib Khan highlighted TAKMIL Foundation’s achievements in the field of education in Pakistan in her presentation and how TAKMIL is using technology aligned with national standards to bridge educational gaps and empower marginalized communities. In Pakistan, 26.2 million children are deprived of educational opportunities, making it the country with the highest rate of out-of-school children in the world. A staggering 60% of these children are at the primary and middle education levels, within the critical age range of 5 to 16 years. This persistent challenge underscores a significant educational dilemma for Pakistan, with a substantial portion of these children belonging to rural regions. TAKMIL’s primary focus is on addressing the educational needs of the 77% of out-of-school children living in rural and remote underprivileged communities where public and private schools are absent. These communities lack basic resources such as internet connectivity, electricity, and educational infrastructure.
The evening also featured a debate by young volunteers on the topic of Baby Boomers and Generation Z, which added an interesting dimension to the event. The intergenerational discussion highlighted differing perspectives on cultural and societal issues, sparking meaningful conversations among the attendees. This event was hosted by renowned physician, professor and mentor, Dr. Faisal Khosa who also highlighted the importance of education.
Legendary critic and TV drama writer Mr. Anwar Maqsood was the keynote speaker for the event. The event saw an overwhelming turnout, with attendees eager to hear Anwar Maqsood’s views on Pakistan’s politics in his distinctive style. Maqsood began his speech with a series of humorous anecdotes, quickly capturing the audience’s attention. His unique ability to blend humor with sharp political critique made for an engaging presentation. He delved into the current state of Pakistani politics.
The crowd responded with bursts of laughter and applause, appreciating his candid and thought-provoking insights. As the event drew to a close, it was evident that Maqsood’s words had left a lasting impression on everyone present. His ability to speak truth to power while entertaining his audience was a testament to his enduring influence as a cultural icon. The event successfully raised around $97,000 in funds for the TAKMIL Foundation and its mission to educate underprivileged children in Pakistan.
