Karachi, October 1, 2009 - U.S. Consul General Karachi, Stephen Fakan today honored 52 Pakistani high school students selected to go to Washington, DC, for a two-week science and technology exchange program.

The students, including 26 girls and 26 boys, are making the trip as part of the Links to Learning (ED-Links) program, supported by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

"I know your parents and teachers are proud of your selection for this program," Consul General Fakan told the students. "You are going to have once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience American life firsthand, while also learning more about the latest information technology."

Each year, ED-Links sends selected Pakistani students and teachers to the U.S. for a short term training and cultural exchange program. USAID's ED-Links program aims to improve the quality of education in middle and secondary schools in selected districts of Sindh and Balochistan, Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) and other areas. Last year 26 students were sent to the U.S. from ICT in the first cohort. This year's group comprised students from Sindh and Balochistan.

ED-Links' Student Exchange program will teach the students about web development, digital photography and video production. The program also aims to develop the students' teamwork, leadership skills and cultural understanding.

"This program will open new doors of opportunity, cross-cultural understanding, and learning for each of you," said Mr. Stephen Fakan. "I know that you will be proud and effective representatives of Pakistan, and that you will form rewarding friendships with the American students and teachers you meet."

USAID's $90 million ED-Links program increases teachers' professional development, and improves student learning. The ED-Links program works in close collaboration with the Pakistani Ministry of Education.

Since 2002, the U.S. Government through USAID has provided more than $3.4 billion to Pakistan to improve economic growth, education, health, and governance and to assist with earthquake reconstruction.