27-03-07 Karakorum Trust, updating from Pakistan

GILGIT, Pakistan -- Ten Pakistani aspiring gemologists, including 5 girls and 5 boys, were recently selected for a gemological training programme, promoted by the Karakorum Trust Project in cooperation with the Italian Gemological Institute (IGI). The course will start in a few months, and will provide the trainees with an in-depth knowledge of gemological analysis and the basics of cutting techniques.

    

The selection procedures were carried out in Gilgit (Pakistan) at the Musharraf Hall of the Karakurum International University (KIU). Sixty-six candidates answered the call, including 20 girls, all coming from the Northern Areas of Pakistan.

The examiners - Dr. Valerio Pietrangelo (Karakorum Trust project coordinator), Dr. Irene Roseo (IGI Gemologist) and Prof. Havas Khan (Professor of Geology at KIU), have taken into account the students’ proficiency in English, the personal motivation, the scientific background as well as any previous professional experience.

Results were published the same day at 6 p.m. On March 15, the selected students attended a presentation of the project, together with 15 potential substitutes, ready to take the place of renuncin students.

On the occasion, the Vice Chancellor Aziz Ali Najam, returning from Islamabad, expressed his appreciation about the project and exhorted the students to honour their University abroad.

Dr. Valerio Pietrangelo, introduced the training programme within the framework of Karakorum Trust. In the month of June, during his next visit to Pakistan he will provide the students with full details about the training in Italy.

Dr. Irene Roseo gave the trainees some advice to make the best out of their future experience abroad and explained the origins of gemological studies.

Eventually, Prof. Hawas Khan informed the candidates of the availability of the University to arrange an Earth Sciences  intensive training prior to departure for Italy.

The students, especially the girls, rejoiced about such an opportunity, eager to get in-depth knowledge in the fascinating field of gemological studies.

“A young Lecturer in Economics, selected for the training programme  - explains Valerio Pietrangelo -  praised the initiative, and explained that she chose to apply in order to bring her competence to the service of the group of future gemologists.

“Preliminary activities have already started - continues Pietrangelo - the Ev-K²-CNR Committee has given to the KIU library teach yourself text-books in Italian language. The candidates will also attend an English intensive course in the next few months�.