U.S. Ambassdor, Federal Minister for Education Help Paint School

United States Ambassador to Pakistan Nancy Powell joined the Federal Minister for Education, Ms. Zobaida Jalal, local school teachers and students at Kanwal Community Model School and their parents Friday morning painting classroom walls at the school. The event highlights the importance of parents, communities, teachers and the private sector working together to educate Pakistan’s children.
The Kanwal Community Model School opened its doors with only one small room; most of the children sat in the open air for instruction. With the assistance of philanthropist, the community later added two more rooms which leaked badly during the rains. USAID has helped repair the roofs.

Nairola, an under-served suburb of Islamabad, was without a school until the National Education Foundation (NEF) partnered with the community to begin the community-owned and operated school primary school. NEF covers the nominal costs of the teacher salaries and school supplies, while school fees accumulate in a school fund. After a period of five years, the NEF will match the community savings funds to endow the school for the future. The income from the endowment combined with nominal school fees will allow the school to continue without outside financial assistance.

USAID returned to Pakistan in July 2002 and placed improving primary education at the top of its agenda. In August 2002, USAID and the Government of Pakistan signed a five-year, $100 million grant agreement to work with the Ministry of Education to help improve the quality of Pakistan’s primary schools. USAID has also launched new initiatives in health and democracy/governance, and also planning its assistance in economic growth sectors.