Thari girls showcase scientific talent at first-ever STEAM festival in Nangarparkar
By Qurban Ali Khushik
Mithi : Hundreds of schoolgirls from across Tharparkar showcased their scientific creativity and innovative ideas at the district’s first-ever Girls’ STEAM Festival in Nangarparkar on Saturday, highlighting the growing potential of young girls in science, technology and practical learning.
Organised by the Thar Education Alliance (TEA), in collaboration with Habib Bank Foundation and the School Education and Literacy Department (SE&LD) Govt of Sindh, the one-day festival was held at Government Degree College Nangarparkar. It brought together students from 13 girls’ high schools, the degree college and girls’ middle schools across the tehsil.
Students presented a range of scientific models and creative projects covering Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM), demonstrating how classroom learning could be translated into practical ideas and solutions.
Government High School Veerhar, Diplo, secured first position in the scientific models competition, followed by Government Girls High School North Colony, Mithi, in second place and Government Girls High School Mithi West in third. In recognition of its achievement, the winning school was announced to receive a science laboratory through the support of TEA and Habib Bank Foundation.
The festival was inaugurated by Pakistan Peoples Party MPA Qasim Siraj Soomro, who appreciated the initiative and said bringing girls from different parts of Tharparkar together would encourage their interest in scientific education, creativity and innovation.
The event also featured interactive STEAM sessions and a science show, providing students and teachers an opportunity to engage with practical learning and explore the role of science and innovation in addressing local challenges.
Former senator Krishna Kumari Kohli, Provincial Advisor Veerji Kolhi, TEA Chief Executive Officer Partab Shivani, Vice Chairperson Kamla Bheel, activist Meena Gabeena, Dr Soorath Sindhu, Farhad Jarral, Assistant Commissioner Nangarparkar Erum Karim Narejo, Zaki Ahmed Shaikh, education officials, teachers and other guests attended the festival and visited the students’ exhibition stalls.
Speaking on the occasion, Soomro said girls’ education and the strengthening of educational institutions remained among his priorities. He also expressed willingness to support a proposed Thar Education Conference in Nangarparkar.
Highlighting the region’s development challenges, he said water scarcity and the shortage of fodder for livestock were among the major reasons behind seasonal migration in Tharparkar, often disrupting children’s education. He said 56 small dams had so far been constructed to conserve rainwater, while another five to six were planned.
He emphasised that improving water availability and sustaining local livelihoods would help communities remain in their villages and ensure continuity in children’s education.
Participating students were awarded certificates and shields, while the science laboratory announcement for the winning school added a practical dimension to the festival’s recognition of young talent.
