U.S Completes $159.2M Sindh Basic Education Program

Staff Report

The United States, alongside the Sindh Government, celebrated the completion of the Sindh Basic Education Program (SBEP) at a ceremony in Karachi, held at High School Damba Village.

SBEP, funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), allocated $159.2 million towards constructing 106 schools and enhancing the education sector across Sindh.US and Pakistan Sign Agreement To Protect Cultural Heritage

U.S. Ambassador Donald Blome, former Minister for Sindh Education and Literacy Department Syed Sardar Ali Shah, and Sindh Secretary School Education and Literacy Department Dr. Shereen Mustafa participated in the closing ceremony, emphasizing the program’s achievements.

Ambassador Blome expressed the belief that providing high-quality basic education is a crucial investment, essential for the success of every child. He urged for continued efforts to expand educational access, prioritize learning, and implement reforms across Sindh and Pakistan to ensure all children thrive.

SBEP was initiated in response to the destructive floods of 2010-11, which ravaged school infrastructure in Sindh. Presently, over 80,000 students from underprivileged backgrounds benefit from top-tier education in modern, climate-resilient schools.

These institutions have not only withstood the calamitous floods of 2022 but also served as safe refuges for neighboring communities and hubs for parent and community involvement.

In addition to school construction, the program fostered community empowerment and introduced innovative school management models.

This laid the groundwork for successful public-private partnerships, which are now being replicated in other provinces.