In a significant step towards addressing national challenges in parenting and child development, experts from Aga Khan University (AKU) have collaborated with leading academic entities and organisations in Pakistan to develop a comprehensive Parenting Manual. This initiative, spearheaded by the National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW) and launched in partnership with the Aga Khan Foundation Pakistan (AKF,P), AKU, National Institute of Psychology (NIP) at Quaid-i-Azam University, and Dukhtaran-i-Pakistan, aims to equip parents with essential skills and knowledge to foster the holistic development of children and adolescents.
The team from AKU include Ms Yasmeen Mehboob, Dr Kausar Waqar, and Dr Rozina Karmaliani, representing AKU's Institute for Educational Development, Human Development Programme at the Medical College, and School of Nursing and Midwifery, respectively. Their collective expertise has been instrumental in the creation of the 'Art of Parenting' manual, which is divided into two sections: "Aghosh" for early childhood development (0-9 years) and "Parvarish" for adolescents (9-19 years).
The manual recognises the critical role of parents and caregivers in shaping the future of children by addressing a wide range of topics including reflective teaching, socio-emotional learning, mental health and designing professional development courses. This initiative is in line with Pakistan's commitment to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, emphasising the protection and provision of children's rights.
The development of the manual involved a consultative process led by NCSW Chairperson Ms Nilofar Bakhtiar, who ensured active engagement and consensus-building among all stakeholders. The content is tailored to reflect the local context, culture, and norms of Pakistan, ensuring its relevance and acceptability across the country.
The Parenting Manual reflects the dedication and collaborative efforts of many individuals and organisations who are committed to creating a supportive and enriching environment for children and adolescents in Pakistan. By training national master trainers with provincial representation, the four organisations will facilitate cascade training sessions across the country. A simplified facilitator manual will also be developed and translated into Urdu to assist trainers in effectively conducting these sessions.
This initiative marks a significant step toward empowering parents and caregivers, ultimately guiding the next generation to a brighter, more secure future. Through this comprehensive resource, Pakistan's next generation is being prepared to be social change agents. fostering a prosperous and self-determined nation.