With the NOP Application Submission Deadline scheduled to close on March 5, 2019, the final stretch of outreach visits was conducted in Lahore and its surrounding areas from February 6-18, 2019. Over the course of 2 weeks we visited the neighbouring cities of Okara, Sahiwal, Kasur, Gujranwala, Sialkot and Sheikhupura reaching out to a total of 1800 students in 22 colleges.
Famous for its sugarcanes, Okara was the NOP Team’s first stop where 4 colleges were visited and students were educated on the Programme. Mr. Rao Muhammad Riaz, Assistant Professor Government College, Okara, praised the session and stated that the motivational aspect of the presentation would definitely help students create good concrete future plans. Mr. Munir Ahmad, Assistant Professor Divisional Public College, Okara, too remarked positively at the disseminated information.
Sahiwal was visited next. Here too students were given information about the NOP Scholarship and how they can apply. Mr. Muhamamd Rafiq, Vice Principal Divisional Public College, Sahiwal, thanked LUMS for bringing NOP and the opportunities with it to the college’s doorstep.
After Sahiwal, the NOP Team was hosted at Gujranwala. Specific focus was given to Pre-Medical and Pre-Engineering students educating them about the wide variety of fields offered at LUMS. Ms. Wahida Abbas, Assistant Professor Government College for Women, Gujranwala, expressed her admiration for the passion with which LUMS reaches out to the country’s talent.
The NOP Team then headed on to Kasur, the city of the famed Sufi philosopher and poet, Baba Bulleh Shah. Despite the torrential rain, it was heartening to see ambitious students willing to learn and understand the varied opportunities available to them at LUMS. Mr. Farhan Mudassar, Campus Administrator Punjab College, Kasur, praised the information session conducted and suggested that LUMS should invite student counsellors and educate them on the NOP so they too may spread the message of accessible quality education in their communities.
The hometown of Allama Iqbal, Sialkot, was the next stop in the tour, where educators and students warmly welcomed the Team. The respective students at the resident colleges were informed of the facilities at LUMS, especially the dedicated focus on research. Ms. Saima Amin, Assistant Professor Government College University, Sialkot vowed to ensure students under her tutelage would certainly apply for the opportunity of a lifetime.
The last city visited outside of Lahore was Sheikhupura. Once again students were walked through the process of the NOP and questions on the NOP Online Application process were answered by the Team.
Within Lahore, LUMS was contacted by the CARE Foundation who wanted an information session conducted for its students from various colleges within the city. The diverse group were given guidance on the NOP process and the students were actively motivated to think outside the box, take paths less travelled and never be afraid of pursuing dreams.
In conclusion, the various NOP sessions in the multiple cities are sure to bring applications from talented students spread out across Pakistan.
