June 25, 2015: Aga Khan Development Network and Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of the Australian Government concluded a successful five year project ‘Education Development and Improvement Programme (EDIP)’ that has enhanced access, equity and quality of education with increased gender parity, participation and sustainability of community interventions. EDIP has improved the teaching and learning conditions, the capacity of government officials, school infrastructure, safety and security for children and teachers, community mobilisation and inclusive education to enable disabled children to become part of the mainstream. The programme was implemented in seven districts of Gilgit-Baltistan including Gilgit, Astore, Ghanche, Skardu, Hunza-Nagar, Diamir, and Ghizer, and has closely partnered with the Government of Pakistan, the Government of Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), the GB Department of Education (DoE).
At yesterday’s dissemination seminar programme partners shared details about EDIP and the work done in Gilgit-Baltistan. The event was graced by the Secretary Education Mr.Sanullah. He appreciated the multifaceted approach of EDIP ensuring better education services and said, “Under EDIP, the GB DoE has been developing an education strategy which is close to being finalised. Under the umbrella of the Gilgit-Baltistan Education Strategy (GBES) the sector will see an improvement in the services of the education sector, and in the ability to tie these public sector initiatives with the capacity of the private sector.”
The Secretary Education also stressed upon the need to mobilise resources for the region, and highlighted the AKDN as a key player which can fulfil this role.
He went on to state that he appreciated the involvement, commitment and experience brought together by all those responsible in developing EDIP: from the Government, Education Institutions, and NGO’s. He specifically thanked the Aga Khan Foundation (Pakistan), and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of the Australian Government for their financial, technical, and moral support in its development. The AKDN was also commended for its decades of work in supporting GB and its people in their pursuit of holistic and sustainable development. AKDN will continue on its commitment of developing the public and private institutions of Pakistan and the global community for decades to come.
