'Solution of problems lies in concentrating on education'

The solution of Pakistan's problems lies in concentrating on education and adopting progressive educational strategies, said Professor Elizabeth Norford, an educationist from the USA. She was delivering a lecture on "Approaches towards Creative Education in South Asia" organised by the Punjab University's History Department and Pakistan Study Center in collaboration with the American Institute of Pakistan Studies here on Friday.
According to her, most important function of teaching children is to create meaning in their lives in order to make comprehensible the complexities of their lives. She categorised it, as progressive and revolutionary idea in education. She also shared her experiences of teaching with group of students in America, India, Nepal and Pakistan.
Earlier, Professor Dr Carla Petievich, Professor of History, Montclair University, USA introduced her to the audience and the services rendered by Norford. At the end of her talk, the participants asked penetrating question. The lecture ended with a note of thanks from Professor Dr S Qalb-i-Abid, Chairman, Department of History, University of the Punjab.
While American Cultural Affairs officer from Islamabad Embassy Constance C. Jones met Punjab University vice-chancellor Dr Mujahid Kamran and discussed the idea of establishing reading Lounge at PU and organising American Alumni Association. She told that if University provides space and furniture for this reading Lounge American Embassy's cultural wing can provide books, TV, computer, VCR and DVD, etc for it.
The books and other material could be provided according to the University's preference. She also said that Pakistani universities vice-chancellors should visit American universities and co-operation between the universities of both countries should be expended. Vice chancellor Dr Mujahid Kamran asked her to provide comprehensive information about American universities and provide more opportunities to the young university teachers to study in the United States of America.