The Erasmus 30 Years of Success Stories program organized by the International Office was held successfully with much glamour and glitz on 15th February 2018 at CIIT Islamabad. H.E Jean Francois Cautain, Ambassador of the EU delegation, along with his spouse Madame Sonina Cautain graced the occasion as the chief guest. First Secretary, Education and Culture, Dr. Nicole Malpas also attended the event.
In his opening remarks Rector Prof. Dr. Raheel Qamar highlighted that the human genetics prove that all humanity originated from a single mother, which makes us all as brothers and sisters. He praised the EU and its Erasmus program as an excellent initiative to promote education as well as engender understanding and a spirit of peaceful co-existence among the people of different cultures from around the world.
A number of students and faculty who had previously availed an opportunity under this program were invited to reminisce about their experiences under EMMA/Erasmus programs. Some described it as an Erasmus journey where new friendships were made which have lasted way beyond the program itself; some called it as the most amazing experience that could have ever happened to them; some remarked that it gave them the opportunity to come out of their comfort zone and realize that language and culture are never barriers to befriending others; some used the occasion to uncover their hidden skills and faculties; some made use of the opportunity to clear misconceptions and misunderstandings about Pakistan and about Islam.
Ms. Kisa Fatima Haider, a recent alumnus of the Erasmus program and a member of the informal network that promotes the program in Pakistan, spoke of the importance of being passionate, hardworking and having a dream. She said that having good intentions and having a positive motive in life is very important. She said that the Erasmus program has a number of opportunities and to grasp them perseverance, motivation and hard work are required.
The highlight of the event was some fusion music which was played by CIIT’s students which received much applause and instilled the celebratory spirit to the function.
At the conclusion of the event, the Ambassador of the EU thanked CIIT for celebrating this event. He said we need to remind ourselves that we all are one. He said that through this and other such programs EU wishes to build a positive image about Europe and present itself as peace builders and promoters of the concept of global citizenship. He said that he is aware that CIIT was one of the top universities of Pakistan and making the most use of the Erasmus + program. However, he urged everyone to spread the word around about the opportunities available under Erasmus+.
Dr. Arshad Malik, Head (IO), in his closing remarks highlighted the benefits the Erasmus program has given to CIIT which is attempting to use it aggressively to send CIIT's academics as well as students to Europe to acquire high quality education as well as imbibe most invaluable international experience. He said that so much education is gained from outside the classroom, from the community around and from interacting with the people of the host country which helps opening the minds of youthful students. He also thanked everyone who spared time to come to the event and make it so much more colorful.
The event came to conclusion by presentation of souvenirs, cake cutting ceremony, light refreshments and a memorable group photo.
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