علاقة التربية بالتعليم والأسوة الحسنة

The bond of education and character education is like that of body and soul. In the comprehensive process of Islamic character building, education is an integral part. Character is the provision for life journey where as education is the light on the path. The recognition of distinct objectives of education and trenchant targets of character education is necessary to solve the crisis of character faced by contemporary world. Education is a lightening experience to develop the skills and awareness whereas character education helps the individual to be sincere with himself, obedient to his Lord, and compliant with the moral values which is the outcome of character education. The curricula of education, no matter how powerful and evolved may it be, need to be translated into behavior. Therefore, a role model is needed to achieve educational goals. The work of the prophet was characterized with deep insight, strong determination, firmness, honesty. These virtuous qualities caused to enlighten hearts with the right faith. Character cannot be built thorough ease and quiet, it is a process built upon a philosophy and laws, which springs from the moral values followed by the society. Islamic character education evolved from the infallible sources of Islamic Sharia: The Qur’an and Sunnah of the beloved Prophet Muhammad (S. A. W) who formed the characters of his noble companions (R. A) in best manner and equipped their generation with everything they needed to lead a successful life in this world and in hereafter. This paper elucidates the connection between education and character education, and sheds light upon the importance of role model in bringing the change as well as covers the major restraints that shackle the process of education and character education.

The Learning and Practising the Notion of Child Rights in a Lower Secondary Classroom

In a context like Pakistan children are usually prepared with unquestioning mind. They mostly remain unaware of their basic rights, which they deserve by the virtue of being human/children. It is assumed that rights are the notion that should be known by the courts and judges. This lack or absence of awareness about basic child rights results into violation, deprivation and humiliation towards them. This attitude can be observed at different stages such as society, family and school. It is my strong belief that schools and specially Social Studies teaching can play a significant role in educating children about their rights and the ways these rights can be ensured. Therefore this small-scale collaborative actions research study aimed at developing understanding and practicing the notion of child rights education. The study was conducted in a private community based school with one teacher of a lower secondary class. The study was conducted in a collaborative action research mode where the power relationship between the research participants were equally shared, we both were equal contribution towards each others' learning and both of us had a stake. The study began with a reconnaissance stage where we shared our existing understanding about child rights in our society and developed it further through various activities. We also tried to explore if it exist in our school. With this realizationthat child rights is a missing phenomenon in school, we designed a curriculum framework and strategies in the form of an action plan. The notion was then practiced in the classroom through variety of activities such as role-plays, stories, poster, indoor games and discussion on several issues. The implementation of these activities resulted into students' enhanced understanding about their rights and the way these rights are violated in our society. They also realized that they have certain responsibilities in order to take care of the rights of other children. The study was exciting as well as challenging for both of us. Exciting, because child rights was a new notion for every person involved in this study including teacher, the students and myself. Challenging because of the sensitivity involved in the very nature of the topic and issues related to collaborative work.