Lahore: A delegation from Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO) on Tuesday visited the Punjab University Department of Gender Studies (DGS) to explore opportunities for future collaboration in civic engagement, community development and experiential learning initiatives.
The delegation, led by VSO Country Representative Sehr Afsheen and Ms. Bahar, along with Bargad Foundation Chief Executive Officer Sabeeha Shaheen, held a meeting with DGS Chairperson Prof. Dr. Rubeena Zakar.
The meeting discussed integrating VSO-developed learning modules into the department’s academic course on civic engagement, facilitating students’ access to VSO’s online learning platform, and launching a certification course on civic engagement during the summer.
Both sides also explored collaboration in community engagement programmes, student-led social action projects and other experiential learning opportunities aimed at strengthening students’ practical skills and civic participation.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof Dr Rubeena Zakar highlighted the department’s ongoing community-based and social action initiatives involving students and expressed interest in expanding collaboration with VSO. She said climate change had also emerged as a promising area for future cooperation, particularly in light of the department’s BS Gender and Climate Change programme.
Faculty members Prof Dr Rana Malik, Dr Ambreen Salahuddin, Dr Qaiser Khalid Mehmood, Dr Lubna Razak
and Dr Muhammad Uzair also attended the meeting.
The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to further explore collaborative academic, educational and community-based initiatives for the benefit of students and society.