Kalasha community assured of their language's inclusion in school curriculum

Mr. Wazir Zada, manager AVDP, a local support organization, briefed participant about role of AVDP and projects done so far in union council Ayun. He also spoke about the importance of language and culture preservation, he added that ‘’it’s high time we should work for the preservation of Kalasha language and culture, and it’s an opportunity now we could mobilize financial resources to document oral tradition’’ he thanked NRSP and USAID for approving the important project for the Kalasha peoples. While briefing the participant language and culture development officer of the project, Mr. Luke Rehmat shared a power point presentation and highlighted budget heads to the participants categorical where the amount would be use and how it would works. He also spoke about the role of community linguist and Kalasha peoples, he said that “it needs to take ownership by the community members to best utilizes the resources to work for the preservation of intangible cultural heritage of the community,” Rehmat requested chief guest Mr. Akram, assistant commissioner Chitral, to include Kalasha language in school curriculum in order to help the preservation efforts strengthen. Assistant commissioner Chitral Mr. Akram highlighted values and importance of Kalasha culture who are living in three v-shaped valleys of Chitral. He asked Kalasha community to submit memorandum of understand by the end of project and assured the community that he will work to include Kalasha language in curriculum at government schools in Kalasha valleys. A large number of people from three valleys were present on the occasion. A number of people shared their view including country director Islamic Relief, Mr.Saifullah Jan Chairman AVDP, Mr. Sher Zareen field operation NRSP, Mr. Mir Bacha, Ms. Sichen Gul, minority councillor from Rukmu valley Jam Shahi, Mr. Yasir Ali, Sher Mohd and Sher Mast were also spoke on the day launching ceremony. Later the participants enjoyed musical event, a number guest were seen on occasion and enjoyed the musical event held in Kalasha Dur. Kalasha community also praises effort of NRSP, USAID and AVDP for the preservation of their cultural heritage. ]]>