Village schools: ‘Enrolment increases, missing facilities provided’

17 new classrooms, a science laboratory and a computer laboratory set up.


Our Correspondent April 11, 2013
“Education is central to improving lives and building economic prosperity," says US consul General. PHOTO: FILE

GUJRANWALA:


“Since the provision of missing facilities at the Sohail bin Sadiq Model School in Herpoki village, students have been taking increased interest in science and computer studies. Enrolment has increased from 595 to 707 students,” a press release issued on Wednesday stated.


The inaugural ceremony of the facilities was presided over by US Consul General Nina M Fite.

She said, “Education is central to improving lives and building economic prosperity. I am glad to have been able to partner with Friends Development Organisation to increase the opportunities for the children of Herpoki village to receive a quality education,”

The new facilities, including 17 new classrooms, have been constructed with a $100,000 grant from the US Ambassador’s Fund Programme. Other facilities include a science laboratory, a computer laboratory, a cafeteria, the principal’s office and a staff room. New ceiling fans and desks have also been provided.

Faiza Rani, one of the students, said it was a great challenge to convince her parents to let her continue education. She said when there were no facilities in the village, she was not allowed to join a school. Now with the extension of the school, she said, she was able to continue her studies.

The press release also stated that the US government was building and rehabilitating 850 schools in Pakistan as a part of the United States’ comprehensive education assistance programme.

Through the USAID basic education programme, it said, the US government was helping 3.2 million children to read at or above grade level over the next five years.

The United States will now launch new degree programmes in education at over 100 colleges and universities and was operating the largest Fulbright academic exchange programme in the world.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 11th, 2013. 

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