*USAID mission director says US government fully supports education in Pakistan
US Agency for International Development (USAID) Mission Director in Pakistan Gregory Gottlieb unveiled a plaque marking the inauguration of Hope Tower, the USAID-funded Women’s Hostel at Forman Christian College (FCC) University on Wednesday.
FCC Rector Dr James A Tebbe, US Consul General in Lahore Zachary Harkenrider and USAID Director in Punjab Jeffrey Bakken accompanied him. The $6 million, 6-story project will provide on-campus housing to 384 female students from remote areas of the country.
“The US government is fully committed to supporting and strengthening education in Pakistan, particularly closing the gender gap in higher education,” remarked Gottlieb.
“By providing a secure all-female on-campus residence, the United States is encouraging women from across the country to pursue higher education,” he added.
Speaking on the occasion, the FCC rector said that the new women’s hostel will further help FCC admit students from different areas of the country nationally and provide a secure environment for female students that meets the cultural standards of Pakistan. It also supports our aim of increasing women’s enrolment to fifty per cent of the student body, he added.
“I am delighted to be here at the FCC during its yearlong sesquicentennial celebrations,” stated Consul General Harkenrider.
“We mark a milestone today that celebrates not only our partnership with this prestigious educational institution, but also reaffirms the United States’ long-term commitment to supporting education in Pakistan,” he said.
Farah Shah, a student who has moved into the hostel from Chitral, spoke of the advantages of living on campus. “My parents are happy that I live in such a clean and safe environment,” she said, “and I am happy that I can study and participate in co-curricular activities without worrying about the commute.”
Re opening the women's hostel is 6 or so men lined up in their chairs and it just seems like one woman over to the left. …for the occasion of its opening. Come on now-if this is a real effort, there should have been participation in the official dais opening of at least half women!
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