ISLAMABAD, Jul 10 (APP): The concluding ceremony was held here at National University of Computer and Emerging Sciences (FAST) on the sixth and final day of the Excel Math Camp titled “Discovering the Joys of Math”. The Camp was held jointly by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), American Institute of Research (AIR), Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) Children’s Global Network (CGN), and the Federal Directorate of Education (FDE).

The six-day camp was attended by 100 students (50 boys and 50 girls).

The children selected to attend the camps were nominated by heads of FDE schools from Tarnol, Sihala, Bhara Kau, Nilore and Urban sectors of the Islamabad Capital Territory.

“Six days ago, on our first day at the camp, we were horrified at the prospect of studying math during our holidays and for the whole week! Little did we know that it would be an incredible experience that 1 wish did not have to end” said Abdul Wahab, a student of Grade 6 on behalf of his fellow participants.

Rubina, another young participant, expressed her excitement at being a part, of the camps saying “The camp had a really friendly environment, talking to the teachers was like teaming from a friend.

1 think the camp should have been at least two weeks long,”

Prof. Muhammad Rafique Tahir, Director Colleges and Trainings, FDE, was the Chief Guest on the occasion while other guests comprised Mehnaz Aziz Chief Executive. CGN-P, Component Manager Math Jan Madad and his team, Area Education Officers (AEOs), and students and teachers of FDE schools.

The ceremony witnessed colorful math related skits livened by enthusiastic performances by participating students illustrating the skills they learnt during the six-day span of camp.

The camp provided students with a unique opportunity to learn math through experiments, activities and logical reasoning while illustrating its relevance to everyday life. The students visited the Offices of Islamabad Traffic Police and also had the opportunity to meet distinguished mathematicians Dr. Khalid Noon Dr Mohammad Tahir and Salim Ullah during the course of the camp.

Prof. Rafique Tahir articulated the usefulness of the camp for the students and the unique interactive teaching and learning methodologies used to explain complex mathematical concepts, ‘This initiative is an overwhelming success”, he said.

The Ministry of Education intends lo request extension in the duration of the upcoming Science and Language summer camps”, the professor added.

Prof. Rafique Tahir, Jan Madad and Mehnaz Aziz jointly awarded certificates to participating students and facilitators of the Math Camp.