American and Pakistani flag design USAID/Pakistan Home Education Health Governance Economic Growth Earthquake Reconstruction
Federally Administered Tribal Areas Emergency Economic Assistance
USAID From the American People Education rotating image of schoolchildren in Pakistan
BackgroundNewsPartners    
Former President Bush visits USAID-supported temporary school that serves earthquake affected children in Pakistan.
January 17, 2006

Former President George Bush meets earthquake survivors

Islamabad, Pakistan. Former US President and now Special UN envoy George H.W. Bush traveled to Pakistan recently to view first hand the devastation brought by the October 8, 2005 earthquake that struck the country. During his visit, the former President spent time with earthquake-affected children in a temporary tent school. The school serves 2,000 students in grades 1-10. All of the students of the school lost homes and school facilities in last year's deadly earthquake.

Former President Bush comforts one of the young victims of the devastating earthquake that struck Pakistan late last year.The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) supports the school by providing salaries for 30 teachers, as well as educational materials. This but one small element of the United States' $510 million program to help Pakistan revive communities by rebuilding schools and medical facilities in earthquake-affected areas.

During his visit, President Bush presented UNICEF classroom school kits that provide supplies such as chalk, stationary, educational posters and books. Chatting with 1 st grade students, President Bush handed out stationery packets from USAID. During the distribution, the President asked children about their hopes for the future. One six-year-old boy responded, “I want to go back home as soon as it is rebuilt.”

US Ambassador Ryan Crocker stated during the visit, “The US Government is committed to continuing to provide educational support to affected communities when they return to their villages.” To date, the US government has pledged $510 million for earthquake relief and reconstruction and has already spent $65.5 million on shelter, food, medical services, and education supplies.

The majority of earthquake casualties and deaths were of women and children. President Bush learned that the earthquake left many men responsible for childcare for the first time in their lives. Although extended families and fellow neighbors help motherless children in the camp during the day, at night the children cry, unable to be comforted by loving albeit inexperienced fathers.

Speaking afterwards about the visit, President Bush said “It was very emotional.” Expressing appreciation for the relief efforts of USAID, local communities, the military, and the international community, he said, “We should all support these kids so they can have a better future.”
   
USAID/Pakistan l Education l Health l Governance l Economic Growth l Earthquake Reconstruction l Up