In Islamabad, Nobel Prize winner and education advocate Malala Yousafzai urged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday to enhance the nation’s educational spending to reach at least 4% of the country’s GDP.
In a correspondence to the premier, Malala from the Malala Fund emphasized that Pakistan’s investment in education was below 2% of its GDP. She urged the government to aim for and exceed 4% of GDP allocation for education.
Recognizing the remarkable advancements in girls’ education over the past ten years, she urged the Pakistani government to prioritize this sector. The Malala Foundation has contributed $15 million to support education within the country.
Through our collaboration with the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training, we have successfully extended our reach to over 4,500 high schools. This partnership has enabled us to interact with approximately 500,000 girls directly, focusing on STEAM education.
Additionally, we assist civil society and educational professionals in enhancing their teaching methods, digital education, and fostering girls’ leadership skills, as stated.
She emphasized that the new administration should prioritize girls’ education during their initial 100 days in office.
In crafting your initial 100-day agenda, I eagerly anticipate collaborating with your administration to emphasize the importance of girls’ education.
I assure you that my team in Pakistan, along with our grantees, are closely working alongside your federal and provincial governments, as well as other development partners, to expedite and efficiently achieve our collective objectives. This is conveyed in the statement.
Malala extended her heartfelt congratulations to Shehbaz on his new role as Prime Minister and expressed her sincere wishes for his success.
