Baacha Khan Trust Educational Foundation

BAACHA KHAN FOUNDATION - A RAY OF HOPE IN THE CULTURALLY DEVASTATED ARENA

By Hidayatullah Gul.

With the establishment of Baacha Khan Trust Educational Foundation (BKTEF) much before the formation of the present government in the province, it was envisaged to provide and utilize education and culture for peace an tolerance, especially in the underserved communities and had therefore evolved a strategy to take education to remote corners of the province with the highest possible quality and standard as the BKTEF considers education as light having direct impact on the socio-economic condition of the adjoining communities and neighborhood. Inculcating culture into the Foundation educational system would further augment the extra-ordinary efforts for social change and economic prosperity.

The need for promotion and preservation of culture, arts and heritage of Pakhtunkhwa (NWFP) was never as dire as it is now. Culture being the most effective means of communication, can serve as potent instrument. Art, Culture and Heritage cut through diverse rigid attitudes to foster understanding and reflection. Culture is a unifying feature between different groups of the province and country as well. People of Pakistan (Particularly of Pakhtukhwa) have suffered immensely due to war and conflicts in the region during last three decades. The prevalent extremism and hostility towards Art and Culture has created a vacuum that has been filled either by extremist forces, violence or foreign vulgarized cultural interventions purely commercial in nature, hence alien and harmful to our way of life. The existing situation offers a unique opportunity to reinvigorate the culture and traditions a counter– measure to extremism and intolerance. In the prevailing situation, the introduction of cultural activities in schools at primary level will lay a strong foundation for the promotion and preservation of culture and for the integration of different religious and cultural groups of the province.

Though the Pukhtoonkhwa is blessed with an enviable cultural heritage, the importance and potential of which has never been given a serious thought by the decision makers. In the recent past the need for referring to this rich resource and of incorporating it in to the lives of the people as a potent force to combat extremism has been increased many folds. By drawing the target groups towards meaningful and absorbing pursuits, the Baacha Khan Trust Educational Foundation is starting with the collaboration of Norwegian government, a two year project of Promotion and Preservation of Local Culture, Arts and Heritage in Pukhtoonkhwa from the January 1st, 2010 to have a creative impact on the faculties and coin a mindful definition of the cultural heritage without disturbing their day to day routine and encourage them to establish a creative relationship with their surroundings and inculcate in them an attitude of Observing, Envisioning, Innovating, Reflecting and Participating in creative pursuits.

The two years project is aimed at the revival and renewal of Culture, Arts, Crafts and creating opportunities for the locale of reorientation in a more conducive atmosphere enabling them to earn their livelihood and self respect, which will contribute to the poverty alleviation. The revival of cultural events like Melas and festivals in towns and villages would help the suppressed artisans and artists, both male and female, to prove their metal and live a respectable and happy life. Preservation and promotion of these activities would also ensure sustainability and open up possibilities of growth, continuity, replications and Networking with other similar groups. The project approach is envisioned as creative and participatory with the intent of breaking the mould in which young minds have been cast that offer diminutive outlet for self-expression or experimentation. Creative arts on the other hand present such openings without coming into conflict with established norm provided they are presented and promoted in harmony with the social demands.

Infusing cultural activities such as folk poetry, riddles, story telling, playing Rabab and other tools of local and indigenous orchestra through a phased regulatory framework in the curriculum like drawing and painting greeting cards on Eid and other religious festivals would not only be more appropriate than copying pictures from comics and cartoons but also effective in orienting young minds towards their cultural heritage. They will have ample opportunities to learn and practice indigenous forms of art with associating in their cultural classes, clubs and events with their peers, parents and community at large. The introduction of culture will have a positive impact in grooming of these youngsters into responsible and productive young boys and girls. Harmonizing and synchronizing the curriculum and project contents with existing cultural conditions and curriculum regulations can impact prevailing policies and regulatory frameworks.

Given the fragile nature of the political situation in NWFP, with increased militarization and basis for fundamentalist extremist forces in the communities, the “Culture for Social Change “program can be seen as a soft, but powerful weapon against the Extremists and an alternative tool to development, to building selfesteem, building on positive values and as a way to build stronger linkages between concerned communities and the government for peace in the region. However, due to security and other risk factors in NWFP, there is a need for a step-by-step approach. Thus the BKTEF Pilot project for The Promotion and Preservation of Arts, Culture and Heritage of Pakhtunkhwa (NWFP) has been visualized in response to and based on the Programmatic Framework for Norway’s Culture Cooperation in NWFP.

The Baacha Khan Trust Educational Foundation (BKTEF) has a network of 13 schools spread over various districts including FATA and has also established a professional Development Academy in Peshawar. The foundation is well equipped and has professional staff to deliver good to the society.  Development of cultural curriculum and introduction of culture at schools is an innovative and sustainable intervention for the promotion and preservation of local arts, culture and heritage which would further enhance the effective quality of our present education system being closely monitored and updated by the Professional Development Academy of BKTEF.