Waste of money. They could have built four descent schools with this money which would also have helped develop a friendlier image on the US.
@
CENTCOM
Dear Aeronaut,
I am unable to verify the report of a 400K camel scripture for the new U.S. Embassy in Islamabad. But let me tell you that the United States spends millions of dollars every year, through USAID, on education in Pakistan. USAID is carrying out comprehensive education programs in Pakistan to help millions of children and young people rise as far as their hard work and initiative will take them. The United States supports efforts to enhance student enrolment in schools, student assessment, and early-grade reading. Together with teacher training, these efforts will bring 3.2 million children to read at or above their grade level by 2018. Additionally, we are working to improve access to higher education and help universities tailor their programs to the needs to the country.
USAID has helped rebuild or renovate more than 600 schools over the last three years – providing 86,000 children with new spaces where they can study and learn. In many of these schools, USAID supplied computers, science kits, books, and other educational materials. Another 120,000 children will have access to newly constructed or rehabilitated schools by 2018.
To ensure that Pakistan’s schools are able to provide quality education to their students, USAID helped 15,000 teachers and school administrators upgrade their skills through short-term courses since 2009. Additionally, Pakistan’s Higher Education Commission and USAID designed and rolled out two new teacher education programs: the two-year Associate Degree in Education and the four-year Bachelor’s Degree in Education. These programs are now being taught at 23 universities and 79 colleges to nearly 6,000 students. USAID funds scholarships for 2,350 of these men and women. USAID also funds construction of state-of-the-art faculty of education buildings on five universities, so that future teachers have modern facilities and tools to learn their profession.
The United States understands that the only way a developing nation can progress is through education and that is one of the reason the United States is helping Pakistan in all aspect of education from elementary to university level. We also understand that an educated Pakistan will be prosperous Pakistan.
Abdul Quddus
DET-United States Central Command
