Catholic Church Advocates for Education, Protection, and a Dignified Future for Every Child
Phool Nagar – June 9–12, 2025
In a powerful initiative inspired by the Gospel mandate to uphold human dignity, the Parish of Our Lady Queen of Angels, Phool Nagar, observed the International Day Against Child Labor through a series of awareness events and outreach activities held across the parish territory from June 9 to 12, 2025. The events were organized under the guidance of Rev. Fr. Qaiser Feroze OFM Cap, Parish Priest, with the aim of promoting the right to education, protection from exploitation, and a hope-filled future for children.
Educational Seminar at St. Mary’s Convent High School
The initiative began with a seminar hosted at St. Mary’s Convent High School, focusing on advocacy and awareness about the plight of child laborers in Pakistan. The event’s chief guest, Mr. Rana Sikandar Hayat, Minister for School Education Punjab, and keynote speaker Rev. Fr. Qaiser Feroze OFM Cap, addressed students, parents, and teachers.
In his compelling speech, Fr. Qaiser shared the story of Iqbal Masih, the young Pakistani boy who became a symbol of resistance against child labor. He reminded the audience that “Iqbal’s face lives on in the eyes of countless children we see working in hotels, shops, and on the streets today.” He emphasized that the true place for every child is in school—not in a factory, workshop, or field. Speaking especially to parents, he stressed their sacred responsibility to safeguard the right to education, and to lead their children toward a life of dignity and opportunity.
“To build a just and educated society, we must raise our voices against the evil of child labor,” he declared.
Government Support and Promises for Catholic Education
Mr. Rana Sikandar Hayat acknowledged the alarming statistics: child labor in Punjab has reached 14%, driven primarily by poverty and unemployment. He pledged concrete support for the cause, including:
- Donation of a STEM computer lab and a science lab to St. Mary’s Convent High School
- Full sponsorship of school fees for five Catholic schools within Our Lady Queen of Angels Parish
- Financial assistance for the education and vocational training of girls, affirming the government’s commitment to gender equity and child protection.
“We will make every effort to ensure that every child in Pakistan is in a school—not in a workshop, factory, or hotel,” he assured.
Community-Level Awareness Campaigns Across Bhai Pheru Region
Simultaneous community awareness sessions were held in high-risk areas known for child labor practices:
- Fr. Qaiser Feroze OFM Cap in Father Colony
- Fr. John Joseph OFM Cap in Sherpur
- Fr. Robinson OFM Cap in Herchuki
- Br. Amir in Maryam Colony
These localized outreach sessions focused on educating families about children’s fundamental rights, especially the right to education, and the Church’s mission to protect the dignity of the child. Presentations, discussions, and pastoral visits were conducted to engage directly with the communities most affected by child labor.
This coordinated effort reflects the Catholic Church’s unwavering commitment to upholding the dignity of every child, as rooted in the Church’s social teaching and the example of Christ, who said, “Let the little children come to me… for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these” (Mark 10:14).
The Catholics: Lahore Focus
Informed by Truth, United in Faith
www.catholicslahorefocus.com
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