On April 7, 2016, Blumont’s Sindh Community Mobilization Program conducted an inauguration ceremony for the first school constructed under the USAID Sindh Basic Education Program: the Government High School in Kouro Goth. More than 600 people from all walks of life attended.
The school officially opened for classes on April 11 and will serve over 400 students from six local communities: 287 boys and 140 girls.
The event was chaired by Syed Qaim Ali Shah, the Chief Minister of Sindh, and Brian Heath, US Consul. It was attended by government officials, civil society organization representatives, and Bakhtwar Bhutto Zardari, the daughter of Former President of Pakistan Mr. Asif Ali Zardari and Former Prime Minister Ms. Benazir Bhutto. A total of 150 students attended with their parents.
In remarks at the ceremony, Fazlullah Pechuho, the Secretary of Education and Literacy for Sindh, praised the efforts of partners USAID and SBEP for modernizing education in the province. He also suggested to USAID and the Chief Minister of Sindh that they bring the Let Girls Learn initiative to Sindh province.
John Groarke, the Mission Director of USAID in Pakistan noted that Pakistan cannot achieve optimum potential unless it ensures the access and quality of education for boys and girls.
Nisar Ahmed Khuhro, the Senior Minister of Education for Sindh, acknowledged the contribution of USAID and the efforts of the SBEP. He also highlighted how important it is that the newly constructed schools will be run by public-private partnership education management organizations, as they will provide effective management and quality of education.
Brian Heath, US Consul General in Karachi, spoke of how USAID endeavors to provide quality education to help prepare adolescents and youth for the challenges of the 21st century while noting that USAID is also investing in health, energy, skills development, and infrastructure in Pakistan. He also praised the proactive coordination and continued partnership of the government for the implementation of developmental interventions.
Following these remarks, a documentary was screened showing the efforts of all SBEP partners.
Bakhtawar Bhutto Zardari then took the stage to acknowledge the devotion, commitment, and hard work involved in completing the state-of-the-art building and noted that the grant from USAID which made the project possible is a direct gift to the children of Sindh from the USA. She concluded with the words of her mother, Benazir Bhutto: “They must choose between progress and extremism, and education is the way to combat extremism.”
To conclude the event, Syed Qaim Ali Shah, the Chief Minister of Sindh, delivered remarks promising to continue his government’s support for ensuring the access to quality education for both boys and girls.
“The inauguration ceremony and this well-equipped school is nothing less than a celebration of a bright future for us” – Sania, Student
