DUBAI // A Dh100 million UAE-backed project has opened 40 schools in some of Pakistan's most deprived areas.
The scheme, focused largely in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, formerly known as North-West Frontier province, has provided more than 21,000 children with a better education.
"Government schools, especially those in underdeveloped provinces and far-flung areas, are facing two problems: [lack of] good infrastructure and quality staff," said Abdul Basit Khawaja, the general manager of the not-for-profit Taaleem Foundation, which promotes education in Pakistan. "The initiative from the UAE Government has surely been able to counter these elements.
"It is highly appreciable and it is a model - or in better words, a friendly gesture - which other countries having friendly relations with Pakistan should replicate."
The Taaleem Foundation runs nine schools in the tribal areas of Balochistan, helping 5,000 pupils.
The newly opened schools were funded by a grant from Sheikh Khalifa, President of the UAE. Another two will be built at a cost of Dh1.8m each.
"The majority of the schools in rural areas face a severe shortage of proper facilities," said Mr Khawaja. "Most do not have furniture and are not even able to provide access to clean drinking water. Students suffer from diseases and are unable to excel due to the lack of basic amenities."
The region suffered serious flooding in 2010 and was the scene of heavy fighting between the Pakistani Taliban and the military. Many schools were destroyed.
"The project focuses on four major sectors: education, public health, roads and bridges, and comes within the framework of the good efforts by the UAE to help Arab and Islamic countries as one of the leading donors in the field of humanitarian aid and international development around the world," said Abdullah Khalifa Al Ghafli, the director of the UAE Project to Assist Pakistan.
