NCSW launches manual on art of parenting

Islamabad:National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW), in collaboration with partners Aga Khan Foundation and Aga Khan University, National Institute of Psychology- Quaide Azam University and Dukhtaran-e-Pakistan, launched the Art of Parenting manuals.

It includes Agoosh and Parwarish manuals to train the master trainers for parenting of children and adolescents. Ministry of Information and Cultural Affairs, Ministry of Health, Education, National Rahmatul lil Alameen Wa Khatamun Nabiyyin Authority, and there affiliated departments played an important role in preparing the manual and making this launch a success. Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund, Quaid e Azam and Allama Iqbal Universities also played their part and pledged to contribute effectively.

NCSW Chairperson Nilofar Bakhtiar in her welcome address said that these manuals will play an important part to pave the way for development of the nation. “Training and parenting of Children from their birth to age 9 will be through Agoosh while for adolescents falling under the age group 9 to 19 years of age Parwarish manual of the guideline is being launched. We are heading towards a better Pakistan, for this our partner organisations have contributed their expertise to establish a benefitting training manual.” Aga Khan University and National Institute of Psychology presented the salient features and insights of the manuals.

Akhtar Iqbal, CEO Aga Khan Foundation, Pakistan said that parents play an important role in shaping the future generations in profound ways. “These comprehensive parenting manuals cater to the needs of rural and urban areas.” He noted that the operationalisation would be an important process. He said that the activities in the manuals can be adapted according to the social and cultural context and be supplemented with local teaching approaches.

Guest of honour Rana Mashood, Chairman Prime Minister Youth Program, expressed hope that the effort will contribute in progressing youth's character development and their approach towards an enlightened future.

Chief guest of the event Minister for Human Rights and Law Azam Nazeer Tarar said that, parenting plays a critical role in shaping the future of children, impacting their physical, emotional, and psychological development. “In Pakistan, parents often face significant challenges in raising their children due to the lack of a structured guidance and support. The need for comprehensive parenting resources has become increasingly urgent, particularly in the context of rising mental health issues and behavioural problems among children and adolescents.”