Australian High Commissioner Timothy George on Wednesday bid farewell to 50 Pakistani professionals who will undertake master’s level study at Australian universities in 2012 under the Australia Awards initiative.
Scholars will study subjects agreed with the government of Pakistan that meet key development needs in the country, including maternal, neonatal and child health, primary education, food security and agriculture.
The scholarships programme provides education opportunities for students from less developed areas in Pakistan, including Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Federally Administered Tribal areas.
“The scholarships target emerging leaders in Pakistan and their recipients are required to return to Pakistan after completing their studies, ensuring that they bring their newly acquired skills home to contribute to the development of their country. Many past scholarships’ recipients have become leaders in government, the private sector and non-government organisations,” said George during his address to the students at their pre-departure briefing.
Australia has been providing scholarships to Pakistani students since 1991, and the scholarships programme highlights strong development partnership between Australia and Pakistan. Australia’s development assistance programme in Pakistan has grown steadily over the last five years, reaching $92.8 million in 2011/12 with a focus on health, education and agriculture. Australia has also provided assistance in response to the current floods situation. On September 26, Australian Foreign Minister the Hon Kevin Rudd MP announced a contribution of $6 million. This includes support for food, shelter, health and water and sanitation activities.
Australian envoy bids farewell to 50 Pakistani students
