QUETTA: European Union has promised to provide 30 million Euros for development of education sector and ensuring enrollment of out of school children in Balochistan, Pakistan's least developed and resource-rich province.
Addressing a function organised at Balochistan Rural Support Program's head office, the head of the EU delegation, Berend de Groot said that all ways and means were discussed with Pakistani officials during past three months for the development of education sector.
EU and Government of Pakistan launched a seven year program spanning between 2014 to 2020 for rural development and removal of educational backwardness.
"Bringing girls in schools is our priority", Berend de Groot said.
He said government of Balochistan had come forward with ideas for promotion of education and development of far-flung areas of the province.
According to Education Department Balochistan, a total of 2.3 million children are out of school in the province.
Chief Minister Dr. Malik Baloch-led coalition government has approached international donor agencies and governments to extend financial and technical support in bringing the kids into educational institutions.
The head of EU delegation also announced that 30 to 40 million Euros would be provided in Balochistan for rural development.
He said there were 500 million house-holds had registered with different communities in Pakistan, adding that the EU was determined to support the down-trodden class of society.
Addressing the function, the BRSP Chief Executive, Nadir Gul Bareech termed the participation of indigenous people indispensable for development of the province.
He stated that Balochistan has unique culture, traditions, strong tribal structure and at the same time the province was prone to natural calamities.
"Child and maternal mortality rates are the highest in Balochistan," Bareech said.
He said that majority of the people in the province were living below the worst poverty line and the pace of development was slow as compared to other provinces of the country.
"Projects need to be designed to meet the demands of the people", he demanded.
Bareech said that the EU deserves to be appreciated for the development of Balochistan.
