On the 25th of May 2022, e-Magine, a Karachi based youth training and development startup hosted a STEAM education show case event, where a limited number of students of different ages, certain members of the business community, as well as, a few school heads came together in a rather relaxed and informal setting to get to know each other while working on different robotic models with some scrumptious snacks to give them additional company that were catered for ever so generously by our food and beverage partners.
While the event was titled as a ‘Robotics Activity Day’; the evening, however, just did not consist of working with robots alone. Of course, while that was the focal point of it all; the team used this gathering as an opportunity to demonstrate to all once again what e-Magine is really about.
For, this isn’t just an organization, it is a close-knit community that seeks to create a highly dynamic and inclusive environment, in which children and adults alike are encouraged to think outside the box, look beyond their fears, and #DARETOEMAGINE, as they come up with innovative along with practical solutions to real world problems; hence, also enabling them in a way to realize their true potential that was hidden deep within themselves.
This very spirit of camaraderie was rather evident during the course of the day in the way the event was laid out. Designed in more of an open-house set up, the whole aim of it was to provide a highly engaging, fun, and an extremely hands-on learning experience for those present. They did this by enabling everyone to get a feel of some of their super friendly, safe, and easy to use robotic kits to construct a perhaps impossible to design model to design with the provided set while working in small groups. For, their goal was, and is, to not only provide their participants with a glimpse into the exciting opportunities and adventures that the universe of STEAM education presents; but also, highlight the benefits of working in teams.
In order to support this initiative organizations that share their vision collaborated with them to help make this event a huge success Mashallah. They include Viper Technology, Runway Pakistan, Bombay Bhel, Shakarganj Food Products, Vital Café, Daisy Donuts, Biz Today International, Billboard Pakistan, Zaavia Solutions, EMA Enterprises, and PR Stargazers – just to name a few.
Moreover, in addition to those that had registered for this activity, the evening was also graced by some highly esteemed guests including Mrs. Mehreen Humza Tabani (the owner and lead designer at Allure by MHT), Mrs. Totuiaev Ulanbek (the wife of H.E Totuiaev Ulanbek – the ambassador of Kyrgyzstan), Mr. Abdullah Akhtar (the owner of Schole International Academy), Mr. Arie Poluzzi (a member of the Indonesian Council, Karachi) Mr. Ghayas Ahmedani (the CEO of Zavia Solutions), Mr. Razzak Pardesi (the founder & CEO of IHRI), Mr. Syed Tariq Shah (the chairman of the All Private Schools Management Association Sindh), Mrs. Javeria Irfan (a prominent and well renowned influencer), and many other distinguished members of the local business along with education community – each of whom were also found super engrossed in what the event had to offer, irrespective of whether they had come with their families or simply as a well-wisher of the team.
Such a diverse gathering of some of the major stakeholders of the education industry really allowed everyone to get somewhat of an idea of what the future of education can hold for this country; only if we are ready to support each other wholeheartedly putting our differences aside. For, we believe that by promoting the very notion of collaborative working opportunities we can aspire to foster the incorporation of a culture of a more ‘learning by doing approach’, as compared to the age old theoretical and rote learning methods. This enables our youth to not only build upon their teamworking and networking skills like they did on the evening of the 25th; but also, hone other important competencies such as critical thinking, finding innovative along with pragmatic solutions to existing problems, and learning to accept not so favourable outcomes as part of the growing process.
However, while none of these goals can be fulfilled overnight; the commencement of discussions on potential SOS action plans that can be used to enhance our local education system, made it quite clear that the meet did was certainly a fun and productive one.
Moreover, to bring a close to the day’s proceedings, the evening was wrapped up by Ms. Huda Garib (CEO of e-Magine) alongside some of the guests’ distributing certificates to the participants as means of acknowledging their efforts. All the event collaborators were also given a small memento to show her immense gratitude to them for their support.
What is interesting to note is, that to have witnessed such high levels of enthusiasm, intent, and excitement throughout, even in such unprecedent times, are undoubtedly signs of a population showing the willingness to change the way we teach and learn.
For, in the words of the woman at the helm of it all “the aim of this day was not just to highlight the efforts of a single individual or to take the ideology of robots lightly; but also, to provide growth opportunities for us all. After all, it is our collective efforts combined across borders with a strong willingness to learn, that will enable us to really effectively tackle the problems, that our planet is facing today, regardless of how small or big they may be.”
She even went on to highlight, that even though during the pandemic the team was unfortunately unable to conduct such activities on a wider spectrum and / or on a more frequent basis; with the world now adapting to the “new normal”, this certainly was not a one-off affair.
Instead, her message to all is “that regardless of the position you hold – be it a school owner, an educationist, a student, a parent, a social media enthusiast, a member from the corporate sector, and / or are part of any other vertical in our society; remember, you are never to small to make a difference! In fact, with your support, we look forward to Inshallah conducting such initiatives nationwide at a much larger scale. Thus, we urge you to please step forward and be a part of the e-Magine Community!”
