On the occasion of the International Children's Day of Broadcasting (ICDB) 2012, UNICEF and broadcasters around Pakistan call for every child in Pakistan of school-going age to be enrolled in school.
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For more information and media assistance, please contact :
A. Sami Malik, Communication Specialist, Mob: 0300-855-6654, Email asmalik@unicef.org
PRESS RELEASE
UNICEF and broadcasters call for 'Every Child in School' on International Children's Day of Broadcasting 2012
ISLAMABAD, 3 March 2012 – On this year's International Children's Day of Broadcasting on 4 March, UNICEF and broadcasters around Pakistan call for every child in Pakistan of school-going age to be enrolled in school. An appeal is made to governments, private sector, national institutions, media, education professionals, communities, parents and other stakeholders to renew their commitment to ensuring that children have access to quality education.
This year's theme, 'Every Child in School', emphasises the need for all children, both girls and boys, to access schooling and receive quality education up to secondary school level. Through their support, broadcasters will produce special TV and radio programmes raising awareness among parents and caregivers on the importance of enrolling out-of-school children, especially girls.
"Ensuring access to free and quality education for all children, especially the most vulnerable and disadvantaged, is both a right in principle and a right in practice. Investing in education is an investment in the future of Pakistan – an investment that both underpins the Government's Framework for Economic Growth and is a catalyst for human growth and development," said Dan Rohrmann, UNICEF Representative in Pakistan.
Nearly 25 million children in Pakistan are denied their right to an education – the second largest number of out-of-school children in any country. Of these, 7 million children are of primary school-age and 60 per cent are girls.
"It is essential to make all efforts to secure sufficient education budgets and invest in a dynamic and vibrant education sector that fully exploits the opportunities of new technologies and, above all, the amazing potential of children in Pakistan," said Mr. Rohrmann.
The International Children's Day of Broadcasting is an international event where, on the first Sunday of March, thousands of broadcasters in more than a hundred countries help children to be directly involved in radio and television programming, production and presentation. As a result, children share experiences with their peers, and give voice to their hopes and dreams.
UNICEF takes this opportunity to thank the media, particularly all leading broadcasters in Pakistan, who are supporting this year's International Children's Day of Broadcasting.
About UNICEF
UNICEF is on the ground in over 150 countries and territories to help children survive and thrive, from early childhood through adolescence. In Pakistan, it works with the federal and provincial, NGOs and other partners to support child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. It has provided vital relief and reconstruction support to help individuals rebuild their lives after emergencies, such as the 2010 monsoon floods and the October 2005 earthquake. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments.
For further information, please contact:
A. Sami Malik, Communication Specialist, Mob: 0300-855-6654, Email asmalik@unicef.org
Amal Masud, Media Specialist, Mob: 0300-856-9229, Email amasud@unicef.org
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A. Sami Malik
Communication Specialist
UNICEF Pakistan Country Office
90 Margalla Road, F8/2
Islamabad
Telephone: +92 51 2097811
Facsimile: +92 51 2097799
E mail: asmalik@unicef.org
www.unicef.org/pakistan 
