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During my stay in Pakistan, I have seen in action several of the United States' partnerships with Pakistan that focus on economic growth, health, democracy and governance, and, of course, education. While in Peshawar, I visited a training center for entrepreneurs in the gem and jewelry industry. Gem cutters who take part in this program learn gemstone cutting and finishing skills that enable them to produce a better finished product for marketing nationally and internationally, and that means economic growth and jobs for an important part of the country. I also met with the Governor of the North-West Frontier Province, and we discussed some of the USAID work that is under way in the Frontier including the community clinics and programs that provide better health care for mothers and children. These programs train midwives and community members to respond to birth and newborn medical emergencies, and they show people that their government is providing services. Later today, I will have the honor of meeting some of the newly elected women members of the National Assembly. The United States, through USAID, invested $27 million to support elections in Pakistan, including February's parliamentary elections. The successful democratic transition in Pakistan offers new opportunities to work with the people of Pakistan in pursuing our shared goals, and I'm delighted to see more women involved. The scope of U.S. assistance is much broader than the few examples I have shared with you today. In each of our programs, we work with Pakistanis from the highest levels of government to families in remote villages. We take on these projects because we believe in the real and positive difference they will make in the lives of Pakistani people. And I hope you have noticed that every time you see a USAID logo, you also see the words, "From the American People." USAID works in Pakistan on behalf of the American people. We work to help the people of Pakistan build the future they want for themselves and their country. The United States is dedicated here and around the world to building democratic partnerships that will contribute to peace, stability, and progress in the community of nations. In the National Security Strategy of 2006, President Bush made it a priority of his administration to "expand the circle of development by opening societies and building the infrastructure of democracy." The President urged us "to deal with challenges now rather than leaving them for future generations." Within this guiding framework, Pakistan's development is critically important to the United States, and is vital to both Pakistan's and our interests.
Today's social indicators show the challenges Pakistan faces in order to build a better future. Nearly half of the adult population is illiterate, and 79 percent of the children between the ages of 10 and 16 are out of school. Teachers earn low salaries and have few resources for professional advancement, and many schools lack textbooks, electricity, drinking water, sanitation, and even shelter from the weather. But, Pakistan is also making progress. Since 2002, the United States has assisted Pakistan in these efforts. Much of this progress is visible at the local level:
In support of higher education, we contribute significantly to scholarship programs that allow talented students to earn university degrees or pursue graduate studies in Pakistan or in the United States. These scholars are your future teachers in business, government and science. Is there more we can do? Of course. That's why I'm here today, to launch a new education initiative with your government. And we hope the new government will increase support for the education sector.
Reforming the public education system is an enormous challenge. But everyone I've met is behind us. I met with leaders of government, civil society and the private sector the night I arrived and I heard one message loud and clear: Please stay engaged in education. The task that Pakistan has undertaken, and that the United States has committed to support, is to strengthen the education of teachers, provide adequate facilities for learning, and enable the government to deliver consistent and quality educational services. For example, we were glad to see Minister Iqbal's public statements about the need to professionalize teachers by creating a career development program and holding them to certain standards in order to attain career advancement. We particularly endorse Professor Iqbal's call yesterday for 100 percent enrollment at the primary level by 2010. We agree and look forward to working with you to meet these challenges together. And seeking more private sector support to help us with the technology that drives education today. The $90 million initiative we are launching today is "Links to Learning: Education Support in Pakistan," or "ED-LINKS." It is a comprehensive approach that will respond to the country's most urgent needs. The initiative has three major goals:
It will provide teacher training for new teachers. It will provide training for experienced teachers to expand their knowledge and teaching ability in science, mathematics, and computer skills. It will bring upgraded science labs, computer labs, classroom equipment, books and other educational materials to middle schools and secondary schools. And it will train national and provincial education administrators to deliver the effective management that local schools need. In closing, Pakistan's basic education system must earn the trust and confidence of parents that their children will receive a quality education. Together we will cultivate a corps of teachers who are dedicated to their profession and well-prepared for their work. We will reach out to children and open the doors to lifelong learning that will help them and Pakistan achieve their full potential. Thank You. |
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