Embassy of the United States

Press Releases 2008

USAID Launches Balochistan Component of $90 Million National Education Program

August 19, 2008

Quetta - The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Government of Balochistan’s Education and Literacy Department have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to expand USAID’s nationwide $90 million ED-LINKS program to the province.

“This program promises great rewards in Balochistan,” said Mr. Edward Birgells, USAID/Pakistan’s Acting Mission Director.  “It will improve the teaching skills of some 10,000 teachers, build the capacity of officials to improve school management and increase the learning of more than 83,000 students.”

Focused on improving education throughout Pakistan by improving key educational components such as teachers’ skills, ED-LINKS will work in 695 middle and secondary schools in Kech, Panjgoor, Awaran, Khuzdar, Kachhi, Sibi, Jaffarabad, Pishin, Killa Saifullah, Killa Abdullah and Loralai.

“Investing in education is synonymous to investing in the future,” said Mr. Birgells.  “The American people firmly believe this and they are funding this program to help Pakistanis invest in a better future for their children and their nation.”

Since 2002, the U.S. Government has provided more than $2 billion to Pakistan to improve economic growth, education, health, and governance and to assist with earthquake reconstruction.