Save the Children holds “Policy Dialogue” on Early Childhood Education

Quetta: The Balochistan government has imposed educational emergency in the province. We are concerned over depleting standard of education and seriously making efforts to address the shortage of qualified teachers, schools buildings and the dropout. These remarks were made by the provincial advisor on education Sardar Raza Mohammad Barech in a seminar organized by Save the Children Pakistan programme.

“The provincial government welcomes the support of Save the Children in construction of additional class rooms, appointment of teachers, bearing their salary, arranging training for teachers and supply of teaching and learning material. The education is our top priority. Therefore, we are trying to bring reforms and ensure quality education to our people. Definitely, working in collaboration with our partners the government could provide the required facilities. We urged other INGOs to come forward and support the education sector in Balochistan.” Sardar Raza Mohammad Barech

 Mr. Barech was speaking on a “Policy Dialogue” organized by Save the Children Quetta programme under Early Childhood Education (ECE) project  with stake holders, civil society and media.

Provincial advisor on education appreciated the efforts of Save the Children for promoting girls education and launching the Early Childhood Education project in Balochistan. We are taking various measures to promote education in the province with a focus on female education. He added.

Mr. Haroon Kasi Manager Education at Save the Children Quetta programme informed the audience that Save the Children is implementing a five-year Balochistan Education Program (BEP) for improving access of children to quality basic education in Balochistan province. The BEP project aims to contribute for bringing positive changes in the lives of vulnerable and marginalized children, mainly girls, through the provision of quality basic education in three districts of Balochistan including Quetta, Qilla Abdullah and Mastung.

Mr. Hameedullah Khan Senior Manager Operation Save the Children Quetta programme further explained that investing in ECE for improving the present and future life prospects of children, the BEP has made ECE an integral pillar of program design. It is a complete package of construction of additional class room, appointment of teachers with the salary, training of teachers and supply of material. A key objective of the BEP is to strengthen the processes and systems for educational Planning and financing for sustainable impact on the provision of education not only in the target three districts but across the entire province.

Mr. Khan said that BEP contribution in the context of Balochistan reveals to be of a great value in particular in the post Article 25 A under the 18^th constitutional amendment scenario and in line with the Balochistan Education Sector Plan. Save the children success of the ECE interventions provides an insight of replicating the same in the rest of the public sector schools.

Mr. Mohammad Tayab Lehri Additional Secretary Education (Development) Balochistan said that the provincial Education Department regards the valuable contribution in education sector by Save the Children. Mr. Lehri assured support of government saying that we look forward to continue to work in collaboration for promoting education.

Mr. Nazir Jogezai welcomed the participants on behalf of Save the Children Quetta programme. While closing the event Ms Saira Lehri thanked the advisor on education Sardar Raza Mohammad Barech , Mr. Mohammad Tayab Lehri Additional Secretary Education, media and members of civil society for actively participating in the “Policy Dialogue” and providing their valuable inputs.

Press Release

Published in The Balochistan Point on June 13, 2014