Karachi, Master’s students from the Aga Khan University’s Institute for Educational Development, East Africa, recently completed a four-day hands-on practicum at the AKU Arusha Climate and Environmental Research Centre. This practicum is a vital part of their Education for Sustainable Development program, focusing on real-world skills and competencies.
According to The Aga Khan University, the practicum took place at AKU-ACER’s ‘Living Laboratory,’ located in the scenic outdoors beneath Mount Meru. During a six-kilometre hike to Tower Hill, students enjoyed a panoramic view of Arusha and engaged in learning activities about the environment. They explored the landscape and learned about water movement, the diversity of living organisms, and the role of snakes in ecosystems.
A highlight of the program was the interaction with Maasai Elder Mzee Alais Ole Morindat. He shared stories and traditional wisdom, emphasizing the importance of understanding and appreciating the environment. His insights included the challenges of forced schooling and the value of traditional knowledge about sustainable living.
Mzee Lazaro Ole Mongoi, another Maasai elder and AKU staff member, provided insights into low-cost technology solutions for community engagement. He demonstrated how technological advancements can enhance people’s lives and livelihoods, focusing on community-based projects.
The practicum emphasized the significance of indigenous knowledge and the importance of understanding and being grateful for one’s surroundings in sustainable development. The students gained a deep connection to the environment and altered their perspectives on both themselves and others through this experience.
The Aga Khan University highlighted that this educational experience aligns with its mission of fostering graduate-level qualities in its students. The program equipped students with skills to act as change agents, using their knowledge to improve the quality of life for all species and preserve the planet for future generations. The emphasis on indigenous knowledge and a commitment to keeping people and the planet at the centre prepares these alumni to face future challenges.
Lahore, The Department of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS) Lahore celebrated the conclusion of its month-long “Boot Camp for Veterinary Professionals,” aimed at enhancing the clinical skills of participants.
According to University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, the boot camp’s closing ceremony was presided over by Emeritus Prof Dr. Nasim Ahmed, who distributed certificates to participants and shields to resource persons. The event was attended by Chairman of the Department of Parasitology Prof Dr. Kamran Ashraf, Prof Dr. Asim Khalid, Training Coordinator Prof Dr. Muhammad Ijaz, as well as 20 veterinary doctors, experts, clinicians, students, and faculty members.
Prof Dr. Nasim Ahmed praised the organizers for their role in conducting the boot camp. He emphasized that Pakistani veterinary professionals are as talented and trained as those in developed countries, and highlighted the importance of such activities in imparting best clinical practices and skills. Prof Dr. Kamran Ashraf congratulated the professionals on successfully completing the training, and Prof Dr. Asim Khalid commended the resource persons for sharing extensive knowledge and practical skills with the attendees.
The boot camp was designed to provide intensive hands-on training on clinical examination and procedures related to various veterinary fields, under the guidance of renowned national and international clinicians. The training covered a wide range of topics, including general and clinical examination of equines and bovines, blood sampling, drug administration, stomach tube passing in food animals, mastitis testing, pregnancy assessment in cows, regional anesthesia, lameness examination in farm animals, dental problems in dogs and cats, anesthesia monitoring, radiography, ultrasonography, and major diseases in dogs and cats.
This event marks a significant contribution to the professional development of veterinary practitioners in Pakistan, reflecting UVAS’s commitment to enhancing veterinary education and practices in the region.