KARACHI: The United States, in collaboration with the Sindh government, marked the successful conclusion of the Sindh Basic Education Programme (SBEP) at a ceremony held at High School Damba Village, Karachi. USAID, contributing $159.2 million, supported the construction of 106 schools and the enhancement of the education sector across Sindh.
US Ambassador Donald Blome, former Minister for Sindh Education and Literacy Department Syed Sardar Ali Shah, and Sindh Secretary School Education and Literacy Department Dr. Shereen Mustafa participated in the closing ceremony, highlighting the accomplishments of the comprehensive program.
Ambassador Blome emphasized the significance of high-quality basic education in positioning every child for success, considering it a crucial investment. He urged the continued expansion of education access, prioritization of learning, and the scaling of reforms across Sindh and Pakistan to ensure the thriving of all children.
Initiated in response to the devastating floods of 2010-11, which severely damaged school infrastructure in Sindh, SBEP has provided over 80,000 students from disadvantaged communities access to top-tier education in modern, climate-resilient schools. These institutions withstood the catastrophic floods of 2022 and served as safe havens for neighboring communities and hubs for parent and community engagement.
Beyond constructing schools, the program bolstered communities and introduced innovative school management models, fostering successful public-private partnerships now replicated in other provinces.
Blome’s Visit to Takht-i-Bahi Heritage Site
Ambassador Blome also visited the world heritage site of Takht-i-Bahi in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Mardan district. Accompanied by KP Director Archaeology Dr. Abdul Samad, he explored the ancient Buddhist monastery and relics of the Gandhara civilization.
Dr. Samad briefed Ambassador Blome on the $600,000 in funds provided by the US from 2017 to 2020 for cultural heritage preservation under the Ambassador’s Funds Programme, emphasizing their utilization for facilitating tourists.
