The Government of Japan has decided to extend financial support totaling US$ 295,282 (approx. Rs. 26.82 million) to three Pakistani NGOs; Rural Education and Development Society (US$ 113,175), Anjuman Falah-e-Muashra (US$ 89,626), and Learning Awareness and Motivation Programme (US$ 92,481), in order to improve the quality and opportunities of basic education in Pakistan.
The agreements for the three projects were signed on Monday, at the Japanese Ambassador’s residence in Islamabad, between Akira KONO, Chargé d’Affaires ad interim of Japan to Pakistan and the Heads of the three organizations separately.
The grants will be utilized for the construction of three schools, all in rural areas of the country, which would enable nearly 900 children to pursue quality education in a safe environment. In addition, essential furniture like desks and chairs will also be provided for the students. All the projects have a strong gender dimension and are hence expected to contribute to the achievement of equality between boys and girls in the field of education.
At the signing ceremony, Kono stressed the importance of basic education for the development of Pakistan. He also expressed his hope that these projects would give children a chance to carve out a better future and in addition would certainly strengthen the existing friendly relations between the people of Japan and Pakistan.