17 January 2005	Monday	06 Zilhaj 1425

KARACHI, Jan 16: The Sindh Minister for Education and Literacy, Dr Hamida Khuhro, has said that a philanthropic and holistic approach was needed to strengthen Sindh's educational system, so that quality and affordable education could be provided to all.

She was talking to a three-member delegation of the Pak-Turk International Foundation, comprising Adem Akgedik, the principal for Karachi, Mrs Zafar and Mr Mustafa at her office.

Dr Khuhro said that Pakistan had very warm, friendly and longstanding relations with Turkey, adding that the people of Pakistan loved their Turkish brethren. She also quoted the strong educational system of Turkey, and said it was an example for the rest of the Muslim World.

She added, "We too can strengthen our system by following Turkey's educational structure." The Turkish delegates briefed the Sindh education minister about their educational operations in Pakistan.

They informed that they were running 14 international-level English medium schools in Pakistan, three of which were in Sindh; one at Khairpur and two in Karachi.

They said that the fee structure of these schools was very low and affordable for the poor and middle class people, and aimed at improving the quality of education in Pakistan.

The delegates further disclosed that they wanted to provide scholarships to 40 students of interior Sindh from classes six to 10, and said that the entire educational expenses of these students including boarding and lodging would be borne by the Pak-Turk International Foundation.

The delegates said the businessmen of their country were keen and intending to invest in the educational sector of Pakistan, adding that a delegation in this regard was due from Turkey to workout the possibilities of funding and investment in the education sector.

They also expressed their interest to expand their schooling network, and urged the minister to provide them land at a suitable place, or empty buildings to open up more O- and A level schools in Sindh.

Dr Khuhro welcomed their willingness for more schools and said that it would be a great encouragement to her efforts for quality education. She assured them all possible help in this regard. She also asked them to bring the touring businessmen along, saying she would arrange their meeting with the Sindh chief minister. -PPI