The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and UN World Food Program (WFP) on Wednesday signed an agreement to jointly launch a programming of around 27 million dollars with WFP share of $18.1 million and UNICEF contributing $8.9 million to accelerate girls' enrolment in 1,066 primary schools in 9 districts across the country.
WFP Representatives German Valdivia and UNICEF Representative Omar Abdi signed the agreement during a ceremony held at the United Nations Information Centre. United Nations Resident Co-ordinator in Pakistan Under Yucer was also present on the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion, Under Yucer said "Signing of the agreement on the International Day of Literacy has a special significance for all UN agencies and partners as it forges us together to translate United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) and the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) into indicators of social development. Together we can make a difference," he added.
Highlighting the significance of the agreement WFP Representative Valdivia said, "A girl in school is a girl with future and WFP is committed to provide this opportunity to help girls in rural areas to realise this dream.
"Emphasising access to quality education as basic right of all children UNCEF Representative Qmar Abdi said, "Joint programming is a step forward towards ensuring that thousands of girls will complete quality primary education."
He further said, "This partnership will result in optimal utilisation of resources of UN agencies for effective programming and monitoring."
With the objective to promote improved quality primary education especially for girls, the two UN agencies will provide financial and technical assistance to district education departments and schools to ensure improved planning and monitoring.
As an incentive, WFP will provide a 4-litre can of edible oil to each of the primary school girls and teachers for a minimum of 20 and 22 days attendance respectively to increase enrolment and reduce dropouts and absenteeism, whereas UNICEF will support teacher training and provide basic teaching and learning materials to improve the quality of education.
Comments
Comments are closed.