Editorial
We are sorry that due to some unforeseen circumstances, our Newsletter “Ehsas” has been delayed by about more than a month. We shall try that next time it reaches you on time.
We would like to inform you that “Ehsas” is published simultaneously in English and Urdu both. Please write to us if you want one or both the versions of the Newsletter. The publishing schedule of “Ehsas” can be seen on the last page of this issue.
With best wishes.
Editor
AMEN Project
(All Mother Educated Now)
As you must have learned in our previous issue that A.M.E.N. classes concluded in December 1997. A.M.E.N. is now busy in preparing a new primer for mothers and worksheets that go with the lessons.
A.M.E.N. has been approached by many NGOs to train their literacy teachers. This practice would not only help in the sustainability of A.M.E.N’s program but these NGOs have been opening classes for women in their own areas using A.M.E.N’s methods and books, so, directly or indirectly, A.M.E.N’s program is gaining momentum. At the moment, A.M.E.N. is running four literacy classes and four Readers Clubs. A teacher is hired to visit the club twice a week and help the mothers in understanding and choosing books of their choice. As soon as A.M.E.N. receives funds, more classes would be opened.
A.M.E.N’s Support Group
To help A.M.E.N. and publicize its programs, a Support Group was formed in January 1998. So far, fifteen members have joined this group. This membership is open to all those who are interested in the basic education of the thirty million illiterate mothers of our country.
The first meeting of the Support Group took place at Nirali Kitaben premises on 4th February 1998. Some of A.M.E.N's literacy graduates were also invited to relate their feelings and experiences after becoming literate. The participants were impressed by their success stories.
In the meeting, some of the aims and objectives, mentioned below of the Support Group were discussed:
- To inform others about the program.
- Write articles in newspapers and magazines to comment on the Project and plead for reading rights of mothers.
- Communicate with national and international Support Groups.
- Publicize the injustice of ignoring mothers in the national educational plans.
At the end of the meeting, tea and refreshments were served to the participants.
Training Course
The British Council in Lahore, organized training course on “Managing in NGOs” for women working in managerial position in Non-Government Organizations from 15 to 19 December 1997. Mrs. Josna Azim, Director A.M.E.N. Project also joined in the training course.
22 women representing different NGOs participated in the program. Mrs. Tahmina Daolatana, Minister of State for Women Development, Social Welfare and Special Education participated in the concluding session and distributed certificates to the participants.
Book Display
Nirali Kitaben and A.M.E.N. were invited to participate in the monthly meeting of PAK Plan on the 14th, February 1998, in the village Amrit Nagar, Mian Channu. Two of our staff members participated in the workshop.
Nirali Kitaben books were displayed and viewed with great interest. Most of these books were sold on the spot, especially the health and food recipe books. We could not meet with every ones demand since only a limited number of books were taken to the village for display.
Most of the village women commented that they did not know that such inexpensive, and useful books are available. They requested that NK should organize another book exhibition here, so that more people can buy these books.
When the participants learned about the A.M.E.N. Program, there was a general request to open some classes for the mothers in Amrit Nagar as well.
Profile of NK Staff
Mrs. Najma Faruki
Najma Faruki joined Nirali Kitaben in December 1972 as Editorial Assistant. She has been NK’s Chief Editor since the last 18 years. She was responsible for assigning manuscripts, assessing royalties, editing and proof reading. All the new titles and revisions were personally worked on and approved by her.
Najma is a writer herself. She wrote the first drama that was telecast by Pakistan Television Corporation in 1964. She has done translation work for USAID, USIS and UNICEF. More than 16 books of Nirali Kitaben bear her name as author. She has also prepared primers, booklets and educational charts for Girl Guides and other organizations as well.
Najma Faruki has attended many Government, non-Government and International workshops including one in Chiangrai, Thailand on “Writing for women with limited reading ability” sponsored by UNESCO. In October 1995, she represented Nirali Kitaben in the World Book Fair in Frankfurt, Germany. Her presentation at the Pre-Fair Seminar on “How to train writers and authors” was greatly appreciated by the participants. In her group, there were 18 members from different Third World Countries.
Earlier this year, Najma was given the responsibility of Associate Director Development. She is now responsible for producing promotional materials, writing proposals for A.M.E.N. (All Mothers Educated Now) an NK’s Project, corresponding and meeting with prospective donors. She was also responsible for preparing this Newsletter “Ehsas”. Najma has retired from Nirali Kitaben since March 31st, 1998 and Mr. Boaz Gill has taken over her responsibilities as the Editor.
BOOKS, MANUSCRIPTS
Nirali Kitaben is extensively revising its arithmetic book-I. The new manuscript is ready for illustrations and composing.
Another manuscript on arthritis is awaiting illustrations. The manuscript on “Cutting and Sewing” is checked and edited and now ready for composing and illustrations.
FAREwell to the carlsons
Nirali Kitaben, A.M.E.N. Project and the Book Steward staff gave a farewell lunch to Ed and Audry Carlson on the 21st April 1998. Mr. Edwin Carlson has been General Manager of Nirali Kitaben since 25 years. Under his guidance, Nirali Kitaben’s name was gradually acclaimed and is now well recognized amongst the institutions that are involved in adult literacy and health education. Now NK is the only Publishing house that produces low cost books in graded reading levels for neo- and semi-literate adults. The A.M.E.N. and Book Steward Projects are also the result of his innovative ideas.
Mr. Carlson has retired from his mission, where he was serving in Pakistan, in May 1998. In January 1997, Nirali Kitaben Trust appointed him as Director of Development. He will continue in this position even after his retirement on a voluntary basis. Mr. and Mrs. Carlson left Pakistan for the USA on the 26th April 1998. We bid them farewell with a heavy heart.
Mr. Carlson plans to return to Pakistan at least once a year to offer advice and to introduce more innovative ideas.
WACC’s Regional Coordinator visits NK
NK is a member of World Association of Christian Communication. WACC has sponsored production of five Health Education Videos for Common people.
On 13th March 1998, Mr. David Linn Regional Coordinator, Asia and Pacific, London and the Rev. Cyril Cornelias, Executive Director, CARAVAS, Jabalpur, India, who is an officer at large of WACC, visited Lahore to see our work and also meet other organizations like NCCP and WAVES. NK being the oldest corporate member had the privilege to act as the main coordinator in Lahore. The visitor from India was given copies of the Health Education Videos for use and adaptation in India. Rev. Cyril will share his experience after he has shown these videos to people there.
The visitors were given a guided tour of the office and later the staff had a get-to-gather with them over a cup of tea.
Asia Foundation's Evaluation Team
Perhaps you remember that one of NK's project "The Book Steward" was sponsored by Asia Foundation. We forgot to mention in our last issue that on 19th November 1997, a two-member team from Asia Foundation visited NK's office to evaluate the Book Steward Project. The two members Miss. Zainab Latif and Mr. Asad Abbas Naqvi requested for a joint meeting with the staff of the Book Stewards, NK and the A.M.E.N. Project to discuss the overall involvement and cooperation of these sections in the Program. The male and female Book Stewards were also invited to meet the team members and discuss their problems and difficulties in selling books on commission basis. The team visited a group of Book Stewards in their community as well, and inspected some of the Self Service bookracks in different places. These Self Service book racks, filled mostly by health books have been placed in different hospitals and clinics to facilitate the patients to learn more about their own and their family's problems.
The Self Service book racks have also been part of the Book Steward Projects.