|
USAID to provide $3.4m for teachers' education
ISLAMABAD, March 9(Daily Times): A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed here
today between the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organisation (UNESCO) and the Federal Education Directorate for a $3.4 million
three-year programme to strengthen teachers' education in Pakistan.
Funded by the United States Agency for International Development
(USAID), the programme will establish a new framework for teachers'
accreditation and management in basic education. Implemented by UNESCO, the
project will fundamentally reform approaches to policy, organisation,
institutional roles and classroom delivery at all levels. "Education is one of
the key components of our broad and growing strategic relationship with
Pakistan," said US Ambassador Ryan C Crocker.
Speaking on the occasion,
the USAID Pakistan Education Office Director Dr Randy L Hatfield declared the
programme a critical step towards improving teachers quality of education and
professional development in Pakistan. Based on consultations with the Education
Ministry, USAID's education programme in Pakistan is designed to increase
quality education for all Pakistanis. The US has contributed approximately $200
million in educational assistance since 2002, and has pledged a further
provisional $60 million in 2007 to expand educational
opportunities.
Meanwhile, two USAID supported projects - one in maternal
and newborn health, the other in effective local governance - were marked in
Sukkur today. "We will continue to work together to improve the lives and future
of Sukkur's women and children," said USAID Pakistan Mission Director Jonathan
Addleton.
Addressing a social mobilisation function titled 'A Tribute to
Mothers', organised by the USAID-funded health project 'Pakistan Initiative for
Mothers and Newborns (PAIMAN)' at the Taluka Hospital Rohri, Addleton praised
PAIMAN volunteers and called their work "a most precious and noble undertaking".
The event's purpose, which included a stage performance and the planting of a
tree, was to generate public and official support for providing 24-hour
emergency obstetric and newborn care through Sukkur's health facilities.
|
