USAID to support construction of flood-hit schools, launch nutrition programme
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah in his meeting with the United States Consul General Conrad Tribble and USAID Pakistan Mission Director Ms Kate Somvongsiri discussed expanding the scope of the USAID programme, particularly in the education sector.
The meeting, held at the CM House, was also attended by Chairman P&D Najam Shah and Secretary to CM Raheem Shaikh.
The CM thanked the USAID for working in the education sector of the province and urged the USAID Pakistan Chief to expand the scope and help in constructing flood-affected school buildings.
Kate Somvongsiri said that the USAID, in coordination with the Sindh government, would chalk out the plan for the reconstruction of flood-affected school buildings. The chief minister directed the P&D chairman to hold a meeting with the USAID team and finalise the plan.
Under the Sindh Basic Education Programme (SBEP) the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has constructed 104 schools in 11 districts recently, out of which, 103 have been made functional where 63,969 students including 18,911 girls have been enrolled.
The goal of the SBEP is to increase the student enrolment in primary, middle, and secondary schools in targeted geographic locations in Sindh by developing a school environment, conducive to teaching and learning.
Kate Somvongsiri told the CM that USAID was also interested in working in the mother-child nutrition programme. The CM directed Secretary Raheem Shaikh to coordinate with the USAID team and the Social Protection Department and finalise the programme.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 23rd, 2024.