JAMMU: Minister for Education, Social Welfare, Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo today flagged off a group of students embarking on an educational exposure tour under the flagship ‘Watan Ko Janoo’ Youth Exchange Programme from K K Hakku Hockey Stadium here.
The Exchange Programme has been organised by the J&K Rehabilitation Council of the Social Welfare Department in collaboration with the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Minister for Youth Services and Sports, Satish Sharma, MLA Banihal Sajjad Shaheen, Commissioner Secretary Social Welfare Sarmad Hafeez, senior officers of the Social Welfare department and J&K Rehabilitation Council, a large number of students, their parents and teachers were also present on the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion, Education Minister Sakeena Itoo highlighted the importance of experiential learning beyond classrooms, emphasising that exposure visits provide students with opportunities to understand cultural diversity, educational innovations and developmental achievements across the country first-hand.
“Act as ambassadors of their respective areas and make the most of the learning experience by engaging actively with new environments and ideas during the tour,” the Minister told the students.
The Minister remarked that the ‘Watan Ko Janoo’ initiative plays a significant role in nurturing confidence, leadership qualities and mutual understanding among youth.
She added that such programmes help students develop a broader national perspective while strengthening bonds among different regions of the country.
The Education Minister reiterated the commitment of the Omar Abdullah-led Government towards providing holistic educational opportunities and creating platforms that promote learning, cultural exchange and national unity among the youth.
The Minister also interacted with students and extended her best wishes for a safe and enriching journey.
She urged them to share their experiences with peers upon return so that the benefits of the programme reach a wider student community.
