Government launches Science Talent Farming Scheme with 1.5 billion rupees in funding

The government has launched a “Science Talent Farming Scheme” with a plan to turn under-privileged students from middle class families into future scientists.

The inauguration ceremony of the ceremony was held on Wednesday in Islamabad. The first batch of the Science Talent Farming Scheme has inducted 300 students from public schools all over Pakistan.

“I never imagined that one day I would be listening to such important people and would be staying in a nice hotel in Islamabad,” says Sabiha, the daughter of a shopkeeper in Layyah and one of the lucky students to be a part of STFS’s first batch. “It is like a dream coming true for me. I always wanted to do something in my life but I knew that my father would not be able to afford my education. After my selection in this scheme, I am sure I will be able to fulfill my dreams.”

The youngest of seven brothers and sisters, Sabiha wants to become a doctor as per the dreams of her father. She also said, “My father had to leave his education as he was not able to buy a copy of Rs2 only when he was in primary school but he worked hard to ensure that all his children get education.”

Another student, Taqdeer Kumar from Thaar, expressed his pleasure for being selected for the program and thanked the government. “I belong to a small village where we used to study under the tree shade without any copy or black board. Our teachers taught us to write on the dry sand,” said Taqdeer.

Also in attendance were the Federal Minister for Science and Technology Rana Tanveer Hussain and the Federal Minister for Planning, Ahsan Iqbal.

“It was our dream to provide best possible opportunities for the children of lower middle class and sow a crop of young talented students, who will be groomed to turn into a full lot of productive scientists,” said Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal, the founder of this initiative. “The government realizes the fact children from lower middle and poor class are full of talent and intelligence. The only thing they need to rise in their life is opportunity and right exposure. We are sure that when they will rise, the country will rise.”

Meanwhile, the Federal Minister for Science and Technology, Rana Tanveer Hussain, revealed plans for construction of a National Science School building and allied facilities that will begin as soon as the Punjab Government has offered land in an educational city in Lahore free of cost.

“After the establishment of the “National Science School” the selection of the students will be made on regular basis from 8th Class which presently is being done after Matric,” he said.

About the “Science Talent Farming Scheme”

It has been devised by the Pakistan Science Foundation and is a part of the present Government’s vision for 2025. With a budget of 1.5 billion rupees, it plans to groom students from middle class to become future scientists. Students have come from all over the country including far flung areas to attend the STFS Summer Camp 2016.

The monetary benefit given in STFS project in the form of scholarship are substantial i.e. Rs.10,000 per month to each student plus tuition fee and hostel fee where applicable.

Source— News