WASHINGTON, Feb 10 : Ambassador to the United States Sherry Rehman has exhorted the expatriates to support Pakistan’s endeavor to provide all children access to education and help realize dream of teenaged activist Malala Yousafzai and many other courageous people to bring the younger generation opportunity to progress and prosper.
Speaking at an event at the Georgetown University, organized by the Citizens Foundation, the ambassador said the valiant struggle waged by Malala and her schoolfellows is the story of Pakistan’s “courage, hope and resilience.” The top Pakistani diplomat in Washington underscored the government’s commitment to education for millions of young Pakistanis by citing President Asif Ali Zardari’s establishment of Malala fund for children’s education in collaboration with UNESCO. Pakistan’s contribution of $ 10 million reflects the government’s commitment to the cause of education for girls all over the world, she noted. “This is a key priority for the Pakistani government, which is completing its constitutional term — it requires support —- young and educated Pakistani-Americans can identify (with the cause) and give back something to the community — do not think the task is too big,” she said.
Highlighting the role of the Pakistani embassy in Washington on the link between education and development, Ambassador Rehman invited students to join the Pakistan Embassy’s recently launched Generation Next Initiative, which seeks to bring together academics and students to provide networking for education and employment opportunities.
She thanked the Citizens Foundation for their stellar work, and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to educating the girl child with passion, commitment and devotion to the task. Rehman said this was not about making proforma promises, but about thinking beyond one’s own circle of comfort.