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| Mahnaz Fareed with the chief guest, Dr. Dur-e-Sabih and principal of SOS HG school |
SOS village Multan is a magical place, where the lives of ordinary children are transformed like that of Cinderella. Interestingly, the magic wand in this true story is held by a young, stunning and extremely talented, fairy god-mother,
Mahnaz Fareed Sheikh. She casts her spell and whirls around project after project for the betterment of the lives of SOS children and the underpriviliged in the city of saints.
SOS Herman Gmeiner school is one of the SOS projects. It has now been established as a well reputed institution, with strong features like Rosetta Stone library to boast. It has also set a tradition of annual debates, which was extended to competitions with other schools during last few years. From last three years, Beaconhouse has been extending a friendly hand to compete with them. Surprisingly, during all these years, SOS HG School contended with great pride and acquired the winning trophy. Which truly boosted the morale and confidence of its students that they can give tough time to best of the best and are not less than the most entrenched school system of the country. The enthusiasm and preparations from both the sides are getting tougher each year. The challenge getting more exciting and entertaining for the audience.
The idea of this unique competition is the result of the genius of
Mahnaz Fareed Sheikh, who had the confidence in the education system, she and the staff at this school have evolved. From the selection of the topics of debates, to write up and practicing, everything is carefully handled and strictly scrutinized at every level. For the students of Beaconhouse, it may not be a serious matter, but students and staff at SOS HG school take it earnestly and give their best. Which ultimately results in success. At the same time, it proves the kind heartedness of Beaconhouse school students and their principal
Madam Rubina Arshad Ali for encouraging and coming forward to compete with SOS HG school as equals. A great gesture indeed!
Debates for the year 2017, were held on 5th December. As, is the tradition this event also works as annual parents day. There was a display of different stalls as well. Carefully put together by the teachers and the students. The judges for the speeches were, Ms. Sohiya Umer from MCA, Ms. Haleema Khokar from the city school and Ms. Sumera, principal of LGS, Multan. Chief guest, this time, was extremely learned, senior and competent Dr. Dur-e-Sabih.
There were four groups to contend. A, B, C, D. The division was made on the basis of class & age group level. The topics were selected accordingly. Like for the students of class 4th and 5th, the topic was 'animals are happier in zoos', children spoke against and in its favour. It was fascinating to see, how well, such little children prepared and how confidentally they spoke. In this group, Beaconhouse won firt prize. SOS secured 2nd position.
Group B; meant for 6th and 7th classes, the topic was 'girls are higher achievers than the boys'. Girls from SOS school spoke in favour. Whereas, boys from Beaconhouse spoke against it. Extraordinary sense of competition was witnessed during this session. Hall was filled with thunderous applause, on every point raised in favour of the topic by the girls of SOS HG school and they truly proved their superiority by achieving victory over the boys. Maham, Laiba and Iqra of HG school were declared the winners.
Group C; spoke on the topic of 'tolerance is inborn or a learned trait'. Although, Adina Shahid and other participants from Beaconhouse spoke very well, but the students of HG school fought with great fervour. Samara and Kashif of this school emerged as winners.
Group D had to contest in Urdu, which is the real forte of children of HG school. Impressive diction, rise and fall of voices, pure Urdu accents and the use of sentimental Urdu poetry, convinced everybody of the topic, that ''امن کیلئے ہتھیار ‘اٹھانا ضروری ہے''. The host school, spoke in favour, the guesst spoke against the notion. Abdullah stood first and his school mate Haseeb was 2nd. Trophy was bagged by SOS Herman Gmeiner school.
There is a recommmendation here, for those, who have not witnessed these debates yet. It is a fabulous show, specially the Urdu part of it, is a real treat for eyes and ears. A must watch for everybody. The kind of perfect Urdu you enjoy here is truly rare, the emotions and expressions, just make you fall in love with Urdu again.
Although, there was not a single dull moment during the debates, but that was not all. There were breaks for entertainment, filled with beautiful performances, music and poetry. It is amazing, how in a program of few hours, consisted of such variety of entertainment. There was enactment on a song by the shining star of SOS, Bakhtawar and companions, it reflected the sufferance of Kashmiris.
Mahnaz Fareed Sheikh introduced everybody with the new genre of poetry, which is called, 'slam poetry'. Haseeb with a female counterpart, dressed in Muslim attire, recited 'peace be upon you', verses written by two American girls. Describing the prejudice against Muslim community in US.
This was also mentioned by the chief guest, Dr. Dur-e-Sabih, when he was invited to address the gathering. He said, 'who cares and speaks about Kashmiris today, about the hardships of Muslims in the non-Muslims states. Highlighting the role of women in our society, the importance of peace and the ways to acquire it. It is the first time in decades that such ideas are seen together in one show.' He congratulated and admired the students, staff, admin of SOS HG school for their efforts.
Mahnaz Fareed Sheikh and all the board members of SOS appeared ecstatic by the win. Very humbly, Mahnaz thanked all the participants from Beaconhouse and congratulated the staff and students of HG school that their hardwork paid off. At the end, she invited the board member of SOS school and principal of Beaconhouse, Madam Rubina Arshad Ali to address the audience. Who admired the spirit of participation and support of Beaconhouse school and the spirit of participation of SOS school. She also told Beaconhouse, not to underestimate the strength of the opponent.
Among the board members, Mrs. Mughees A.Sheikh, Fariha Munir Shah and Sidra Bakhtawar were present at the occassion and they were also invited to give away the shields to the guests. After the prize distribution, an informal tea was served for the guests. Though the program ended but it will keep resonating in the memories of everybody present at the occassion, till next time. Great work SOS Herman Gmeiner school. You are the best!
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| Mahnaz Fareed Sheikh, with the head girl and head boy of SOS Herman Gmeiner School |
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| The board member Rubina Ashraf giving away the shield to Haleema Khokar |
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| The board member Sidra Bakhtawar with the trophy won by the participants |
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| The board member Fariha Munir Shah, presenting the shield to Dr. Sophiya |
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| The champion of female rights |
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| The fiery debater |
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| The passion to win |
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| The star of the show Bakhtawar with trophy and the winners |
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| Another debater from SOS |
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| An amazing performance of Slam poetry |
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| Adina Shahid |
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Bakhtawar performing
A Beaconhouse debater
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| The winner of the stalls competition |
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| A guest with Saira Nasir, Rubina Arshad, Dr. Sophiya and Haleema Khokar |
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| Mrs. Mughees A. Sheikh |
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