Press Releases 2009
The United States Launches $75 Million Pre-Service Teachers Education Program (Pre-STEP) In Sindh
June 09, 2009
Karachi - The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) along with the Sindh's Ministry of Education and Literacy officially launched the Pre-Service Teacher Education Program (Pre-STEP) in Sindh. The Pre-STEP program is designed to improve the quality of basic education in Pakistan by strengthening teachers' education and skills. The program will directly impact new and practicing teachers by helping them to gain revised and upgraded teaching qualifications. The $75 million, five-year program will fund training throughout the entire province.
"We all recognized the great need for improving the skills and qualifications of new teachers in order for Pakistan's overall education system to improve. We are committed to supporting Pakistan in its education reforms - helping to build the foundation on which future generations of Pakistanis can lead in the development of their country," said USAID Mission Director Mr. Robert Wilson.
Pre-STEP works in partnership with Pakistan's Higher Education Commission, the Federal Ministry of Education, the provincial Departments of Education, and teacher institutions to build on existing structures and programs. The program will support 15 universities and 75 teacher colleges as instruments of change for academic standards in teacher education.
Since 2002, the U.S. Government has provided nearly $3.4 billion to Pakistan for improvements in education, health, governance, and assistance for earthquake reconstruction.