USAID to give $155 mn for education in Pakistan

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The US government's aid agency USAID has pledged $155 million for enhancement of education in eastern Pakistan's Sindh province that is currently reeling under a severe flood.

US Consul General William Martin has assured all support during his meeting with provincial Education Minister Pir Mazharul Haq, said Siddiq Memon, Sindh education secretary.

Memon said the money will be used for reconstruction of schools and to purchase furniture and other essential educational equipments in the flood-hit areas, the news website Daily Times reported Tuesday.

He said the education system in the province has suffered due to lack of funds and interest of teachers in their work.

Memon said all sections of society, including parents, will have to make concerted efforts to improve the education system.

The European Union has already provided 39 million euros, and the World Bank approved $700 million in soft loans for the education department, he added.

The funds have been used in developing school infrastructure but a lot more is left to be done, said Memon.

Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani Monday announced plans to provide compensation to people in the flood-hit areas, Geo TV reported.

The flood-affected areas were already declared disaster hit, Gilani said, and that the Zarai Taraqiati Bank had also been asked to provide loans to the farming community.