Increasing literacy: Quality education for Baloch youth top priority

PPAF launches Rs250 million programme to improve education in the restive province.

ISLAMABAD:

Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF) has launched a comprehensive quality education programme for the youth of Balochistan at a cost of Rs250 million. The programme, which aims to increase literacy in the province, has been initiated in Kharan, Khuzdar, Musa Khel, Jhal Magsi, Kohlu, Awaran and Panjgur districts.

Over 12,000 students are enrolled in different schools under the programme. Out of these students, 7,700 are males and 4,400 are females.

PPAF has also established 31 community schools so far, while it has adopted 145 public schools and provided water, furniture, repair, renovation, teachers’ training and activation of school management committees in these districts. Similarly, the institution is providing financial support for fees, books, uniforms and stationery to over 3,000 students under the Chamalang Education Programme in Kohlu district.

The organisation has also arranged regular trips for students as a part of its initiative to expose these students to the diverse culture of the country. Currently 80 students from grade five to twelve are visiting Fort Munro, Ghazi Ghat Bridge in Multan, historical landmarks in Lahore, Military College Jhelum and Mangla Power House and Water Sports Club under the programme.

PPAF, a private sector institution, is one of the most prominent institutions working for development in the country and the largest source of pro-poor spending excluding Public Sector Development Programme. The organisation enjoys the support of Government of Pakistan, World Bank, International Fund for Agricultural Development, United States Department of Agriculture, USAID, KfW (a German government-owned development bank) and the US Corporate Sector.

The institution’s outreach extends all over the country and its development programmes have been widely recognised. PPAF has received a positive response from donors as well.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 30^th, 2011.