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Islamabad, November 4, 2008
Students Welcomed Back From Visit to America
Islamabad, November 4, 2008: USAID Mission Director Anne Aarnes with a group of Pakistani secondary school students who returned from the United States after participating in a two-week student exchange program. |
Islamabad, November 4, 2008: United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Mission Director Anne Aarnes today welcomed home the first 26 Pakistani secondary school students who participated in a two-week student exchange program in the United States.
"I hope your 15-day visit to the United States helped strengthen your skills in information technology and gave you a better understanding of how we Americans live, work and play. I am confident that you made many Americans more aware of Pakistan's rich culture and traditions," said Ms. Aarnes while addressing the returning students.
The exchange program was sponsored by the U.S. Government funded ED-LINKS program. The program equips schools in Sindh, Balochistan, the Federally Administered Tribal Areas and Islamabad Capital Territory with essential resources to create an environment to attract the interests of students and improve their learning experience.
ED-LINKS is a $90 million program funded by the U.S. Government through the United States Agency for International Development. The main objective of the project is to equip schools with essential resources so that students can study in an environment that is stimulating and conducive to learning. The project supports teacher training, provides equipment for schools throughout Pakistan, as well as helps to improve education standards.
Since 2002, the U.S. Government has provided more than $2 billion to Pakistan to improve economic growth, education, health, and governance and to assist with earthquake reconstruction.
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