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English declamation contest (2013) at SOS H.G school.

Participants of the contests, during quarter finals and semi-finals.


 Raising a child is like, nurturing a plant. Just as a plant requires trimmings and pruning to keep it in a good shape, a lot of care and attention is required, to groom a child's personality. SOS, Herman Gmeiner is not an ordinary school. It imparts, education, confidence and opportunities to children with a destitute background. Efforts are made to discover, the latent qualities of their students, which are then brought out by providing different opportunities to polish their talents. 

Here, every academic year, different declamation contests are arranged to develop oratory skills in the students. This year, the month of May was selected for English debates. Quarter finals took place on 6th May, those who qualified; contested again in semi-finals on 8th May. Finally the competition came to an end on 14th May with finals. Which was more of a great finale', with plenty of entertainment.

Although, it was a splendid series of brilliant performances. The hard work and efforts of the students, cannot be denied. They are greatly appreciated for coming out with such fabulous presentations. But one big secret must be revealed here. Do you know, who was the motivating force behind all this?

Who would think that a lady, who captains the entire fleet of SOS in Multan, would go down to check, every single detail of each and every speech  for perfection. Yes! Mahnaz Fareed Sheikh. Though, she prefers to be called the 'general secretary' of SOS, Multan. But she is the one, who is responsible for smooth functioning of the life in SOS village, school and youth home.

Mahnaz practically, wrote or re-wrote every speech. And, along with the help of her dedicated friends Hania Shahid, Rameen Anis, Saadia Yaqub and Fariha Munir  (who are also a regular feature on the SOS scene), she made sure that every child, who participates in the contest, learns the correct pronunciation of the word and delivers it properly. Such dedication is indeed exemplary.

                                                     
                                    QUARTER FINALS:



Judges for the quarter finals.Fro top Left-Hafza Rauf, Sarah Alamgir,
Rameen Anis, Fariha Munir and Eisha Faisal.

As mentioned above. Quarter final took place on 6th of May. Different topics were assigned to different class students. Keeping in mind, their age and interests. For juniors classes (4th to 6th), the topic was 'weekly tests should be banned'. 7th and 8th debated over, 'if desi food is better or fast food'. 9th and 10th, got serious topic 'whether democracy is better or dictatorship'.

For quarter finals, Eisha Faisal, Hafza Rauf and Sarah Alamgir were invited as the judges. Rameen Anis and Fariha Munir, also joined in to help these young, bright and beautiful judges. Who were truly amazed by the talents of very young, yet great orators of SOS, HG. school. For the judges, it was impossible to believe that, these children belonged to lower, middle class families, who had almost no access to other resources for help, other than their school.
                                       

                                 
                               SEMI-FINALS:


Judges for the semi-finals. From top Left: Shazia Jabeen Arshad, Masooma Sibtain Shoaib,
Zeba Javed, Fozia Anjum.


Semi finals took place on 8th of May. Renowned educationist from Bloomfield hall, Mrs. Shazia Arshad 
 was invited as judge for the senior classes. Along with former president of SPWCCI, Mrs. Masooma Sibtain for 7th & 8th. Whereas, Zeba Javed and Mrs. Fouzia Khan Anjum, served as judges for the primary section.

The distinguished ladies were taken for a round of the building. They were truly impressed by the high standards of SOS school. They appreciated the enormous custom made building and declared, it is not less than Beaconhouse school in any way. They were also touched by the decorations of the class rooms and overall cleanliness. Some of them commented, it does not appear a charity school but seems far better than expensive schools. If only, it accepted children from financially sound backgrounds, everybody would have sent their kids here. But this school is meant to serve, low income group families only.



                                                 THE FINALS:

The impressive multi-media, stage decorations and flowers to welcome the guests

The finals were more of a grand finale'. On 14th May, it started with the recitation of the holy Quran. Followed by the national anthem.

The chief guests were, the distinguished VC of Bahau-din-Zakria university Multan, professor Dr. Alqama and his beautiful wife, Mrs. Ayesha LuLu Khwaja.

The judges for the finals were Dr. Qamar Khushi Ejaz (professor of English at department of English BZU, Multan). Head of  PTV Multan, Ms. Rahat Bano. And the honorable wife of the VC, Mrs. Ayesha Lulu.

Mahnaz Fareed started the show, with an address, providing an insight about the establishments and achievements of SOS, Multan.

The show was stupendous. The timings were from 11 am to 1pm. All three sections were given equal representation. There were tabloid performances on patriotic songs. Recitals from English poetry, alongwith music in the background. Everything was simple awesome and awe inspiring. The students seemed excited and brimming with confidence.

After the declamation contest, the chief guest was invited to speak. He seemed highly moved by the show and was all praise for the event and the institute. He graciously admired the efforts made by Mahnaz Fareed and her team. And also commented, this is the side of Pakistan, that the world should see. The love for education is indeed the right way to shape our destiny.

At the end, a formal hi-tea was served. Extremely encouraging, was the participation of male members of executive board, like Mr. Yaqub Nasir and Mr. Khwaja Anis, who took time out of their busy schedules and attended the occasion.

Salutes to Mahnaz Fareed, her company of friends, the staff, the students of SOS, HG. school, who made efforts to make this event a success. Keep up the good work.
The grande finale and participants holding the certificates.

Judges for the finals. Dr. Qamar Khushi Ejaz, Ms. Rahat Bano and Ayesha LuLu Khwaja.

Mahnaz Fareed with the chief guest, Mr. Khwaja Alqama and other guests.

Fariha Munir, Saira, Rubina, a guest and Rameen.

Nida, Rameen and Tehmina Munir.

Two beauties of SOS, Rameen and Hania

The honorable guests.


More guests.

Ayesha Najeeb and Sumera.

Mahnaz Fareed with director of Sos. Ms.

Profound pleasantness, Mr. Khwaja Anis and Ms. Rahat Bano.
The girl with a gorgeous smile Sadia Yaqub, with Hania and Dr. Yaqub Nasir.


Hania, Rameen, Ayesha Lulu and Ayesha Najeeb.

Dr. Qamar Khushi Ejaz with a friend.

Rahat, Nida, Mahnaz, Rubina, Dr. Amna, Saira, Dr. Qamar, Tehmina Munir
Mr. Khwaja Anis and Tehmina Munir


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