Spectrum
November 2023PDF 9
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SPECTRUM NEWS
Punjab Mulling Artificial Rain
In response to the escalating air pollution crisis enveloping Lahore, the
provincial government of Punjab is actively contemplating the
implementation of an unconventional measure later this month: the
induction of "artificial rain." This technique, scientifically recognized as
cloud seeding, seeks to modify weather patterns by dispersing
substances, typically silver or potassium iodide, into the atmosphere.
The objective is to create nuclei for water vapor to coalesce around,
leading to heightened condensation and the formation of larger water
droplets that precipitate as rain.
The contemplation of this innovative approach materialized during a
convened meeting chaired by Punjab's interim Environment Minister.
The gravity of the situation unfolded against the disheartening
backdrop of Lahore reclaiming its unenviable position atop the global
pollution index on Thursday. The inhabitants of this bustling
metropolis grappled with an entire day of compromised air quality,
marking a distressing continuation of the persistent smog predicament.
In the meeting, officials and experts delved into the intricacies of this
proposed atmospheric intervention, seeking a nuanced understanding
of its potential implications and efficacy. The discourse unfolded as a
response to the palpable urgency presented by Lahore's recent ascent to
the summit of global pollution rankings, underscoring the imperative
to explore innovative solutions in the face of a mounting
environmental crisis. The shared concern for the well-being of
Lahore's residents permeated the discussion, prompting a collective
exploration of unconventional strategies to mitigate the adverse effects
of the persistent smog, casting a humanistic lens on the quest for
solutions amid environmental challenges.
Pakistan's Educational Trailblazer: Sister Zeph's Inspiring Journey
Pakistan secures another proud victory on the international stage, in
the form of an International Teacher of the Year Prize for the Year
2023, awarded by the Varkey Foundation, a UK non-profit, in
collaboration with UNESCO UAE-based philanthropic
organization, Dubai Cares. On November 12th, the prize was accepted
and a
by Sister Zeph, a teacher with a wide variety of contributions to
education in her local community, setting an example for educators
across the globe.
Sister Zeph began her teaching journey incredibly early, at the age of 13!
After finding herself dissatisfied with the quality of the only available
school, which she herself went to, she decided to start tutoring children
in her community using her own knowledge and by trying to educate
herself with the basics she had been taught. Keeping her goal of giving
it forward in mind over the years, she took her efforts to the next level.
By working 12 hours a day, schooling children for 4, and teaching
herself during countless hours more, she established her school and was
able to expand its capabilities, bringing in other educated women to the
project.
An initiative that began in her own home's courtyard moved to a
proper building once the funds were in place, leading to the current
state where the facility now provides for 215 students from
underprivileged backgrounds. Owing to her commitment to ensuring
education is delivered to all those who could deserve it, she does not
charge any fees to attend the school and admits on a purely merit and
need basis. Along with this, a program is in place to ensure financial
assistance to struggling families of pupils.
The journey was not without struggles, for instance, attitudes about
women's and girls’ education, especially in rural areas. Boys in a family
are often prioritized over girls, or girls are totally ignored in matters of
schooling, as the expectation is often that they will help around the
house or in domestic tasks, both in their current and future married
homes. This meant that many people strongly opposed her endeavors,
and in fact, she narrowly survived a 2006 attack by gunmen, which
forced her and her family to leave her village for a whole half year.
However, this steadied her will even further in her quest to ensure that
this situation changes eventually, via efforts such as hers. In fact, she
even consequently introduced self-defense classes to her institution.
All this struggle brings results too, as evidenced by the fact that a large
part of her students have gone on to complete higher education and
emerge as qualified men and women in society, a dream their parents
could have hardly imagined without Sister Zeph's project. All this
undoubtedly renders her deserving of the prize, which comes with a
money prize of 1 million dollars. Sister Zeph stated her intentions to
invest these funds into further expanding her team and the range of
subjects offered. She also has a range of other plans, from building an
orphanage to starting a food bank for pupils.