Karachi, The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is set to collaborate with the Sindh government on the construction of flood-affected school buildings and the initiation of a nutrition program. This development followed a meeting between Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, American Consul General Mr. Conrad Tribble, and USAID Pakistan Mission Director Ms. Kate Somvongsiri.

According to Chief Minister Sindh, the meeting focused on expanding USAID’s involvement in the education sector within the province. Chief Minister Shah expressed gratitude towards USAID for its ongoing contributions and advocated for increased support in rebuilding educational institutions devastated by recent flooding.

Ms. Somvongsiri confirmed USAID’s commitment to partner with the Sindh government for the rehabilitation of flood-affected schools. A plan for this reconstruction effort is to be developed and finalized in coordination with Chairman P and D Najam Shah.

The Sindh Basic Education Program (SBEP), a USAID initiative, has already seen the construction of 104 schools across 11 districts, with 103 schools operational and serving 63,969 students, including 18,911 girls. The SBEP’s goal is to boost and maintain student enrollment at primary, middle, and secondary levels, ensuring a conducive learning environment.

Furthermore, Ms. Somvongsiri expressed USAID’s interest in contributing to the Maternal Child Nutrition Program, a move welcomed by Chief Minister Shah, who noted that the provincial social security department would be involved in these efforts. He directed his secretary Rahim Sheikh to facilitate coordination between USAID and the Department of Social Security to advance the nutrition program.

Mr. Tribble offered his congratulations to Syed Murad Ali Shah for his third term as the Chief Minister of Sindh, signaling continued support and cooperation between the United States and Sindh in addressing educational and health challenges.