U.S. Donates School Supplies to Bajaur Agency

Peshawar, December 03, 2009 - Ambassador Robin Raphel, U.S. Coordinator for Economic and Development Assistance, hands over school supplies to FATA Additional Chief Secretary Habibullah Khan.

December 03, 2009

Peshawar - Schools in Bajaur Agency will be better equipped to accommodate students returning from IDP camps with today's donation by the U.S. government of approximately $70,000 worth of school furniture and supplies.

Ambassador Robin Raphel, U.S. Coordinator for Economic and Development Assistance, turned over school and laboratory furniture, audio visual systems, and sports equipment to FATA Additional Chief Secretary Habibullah Khan.  Ambassador Raphel noted the importance of expanding educational opportunities for FATA youth, especially to prepare them to thrive in the workforce.

The donation is part of the U.S. government's continuing collaboration with Pakistani authorities to bolster the capacity of educational institutions to provide education services for FATA youth, including those whose studies were interrupted by terrorist attacks.  The U.S. is currently spending $4 million to strengthen primary education in the FATA and recently signed a $45 million agreement with Pakistan's Higher Education Commission to improve the quality and accessibility of higher education in FATA and NWFP.