The senior Deputy Assistant Administrator of the Asia Near East Bureau of the US Agency for International Development (USAID), Mark S Ward Monday awarded scholarships to 22 talented students from the Federally Administered Tribal Area (Fata).
The scholarships were presented during a ceremony to mark the signing of agreements between Khushhali Bank and University of Peshawar and the City University of Science and Information Technology, Peshawar.
Speaking on the occasion, Mark S Ward said that through this programme, the USAID is working to extend quality education to students from underdeveloped and marginalised areas of Sindh, Balochistan and Fata "The students who are receiving scholarships will now have the opportunity to build and expand upon the region's entrepreneurial spirit," he added.
Launched in 2005, the USAID funded Khushhali Bank scholarship programme covers the costs of tuition and examination fees, course-related materials, books and boarding and lodging expenses.
Khushhali Bank has already awarded 66 scholarships to students studying in several universities across Pakistan. The programme also offered internships and employment to some students upon successful completion of their degrees.
Support for Khushhali Bank is part of the $1.5 billion in aid the United States is providing to Pakistan through USAID over five years to improve economic growth, education, health and governance and for earthquake reconstruction.
Talking to newsmen, President, Khushhali Bank, Ghalib Nishter said that the bank is providing loans and scholarships to the students of the backward areas in all parts of the country providing opportunity to get education in all good universities.
The focus of the programme, he said was to create awareness in them and then provide them loans to start their own business in their areas. He said it was some how two-way programme first to provide them education in standard educational institutions and employment opportunities as well.