The Sindh Community Mobilization Program (CMP), along with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Sindh Basic Education Program (SBEP), organized a high-profile inauguration ceremony of a newly constructed government high school, Kolab Jial, in Khairpur District on August 23, 2016.
The event was chaired by Jam Mahtab Hussain Dahar, Sindh Minister of Education and Literacy, and Brian Heath, US Consul General, and witnessed by officials from the Government of Sindh, civil society representatives, US Consulate representatives and, most importantly, children and their parents. The school will be handed over to Beacon House (Pvt.) and will serve over 500 students from 12 local communities.
Rafique, Project Director for the Program Management and Implementation Unit (PMIU), shared a briefing about SBEP and the CMP component. He appreciated the integration of progress, which is a critical success factor for this program. He noted that, “The impact created by SBEP should be scaled up and replicated throughout the entire education system in Sindh.”
Fazlullah Pechuho, Secretary of Education and Literacy, Government of Sindh (GoS), appreciated the efforts of USAID and SBEP partners in providing access to quality education in the province. He also shared that this is US tax payers’ money, which they are investing in a better future for Sindh, and GoS must take advantage of this opportunity. He mentioned that he has “proposed to the Chief Minister of Sindh and also requested to the newly appointed Minister of Education that they allocate sufficient resources to replicate the best practices of this program to other non-SBEP schools so other children can also attain their basic right of education.”
Brian Heath, US Consul General mentioned that, “Education is the path to opportunity. When we educate our children we create a future of hope and peace. All of the adults here today understand how important this is.” He added, “That’s why educational assistance is USAID’s top priority in Pakistan. This is one of 106 state-of-the-art schools, which will enable 500 boys and girls to learn and grow in an environment designed to help them realize all of their natural talents and abilities.”
Jam Mahtab Hussain Dahar, Minister of Education and Literacy, thanked USAID for its generous contribution and considers education for both girls and boys a critical path for their development. He also stressed the importance of community involvement for the improvement of education and encouraged cooperation from all stakeholders. He said, “The education sector in Sindh faces enormous challenges, and despite the situation I have accepted this challenge and will put forth my best efforts to improve it.” He also thanked the US Consul General, as well as the American people, for their investment in critical sectors like health and education. He promised to continue his government’s support for ensuring access to quality education.
During the event, while highlighting the importance of girls’ education, Ameeran Chandio, a female student of Class VI, mentioned that “educating a girl will create a multifold positive impact in society.”
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