- Rs 1.686 Billion Grant Project Benefits Thousands of Female Students Across Rural Communities
KARACHI: The Government of Japan, in collaboration with the Government of Sindh and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), on Wednesday inaugurated and formally handed over the “Project for Upgrading Primary Girls’ Schools into Elementary Schools in Rural Areas of Sindh” during a ceremony held at Government Elementary School Radho Jokhio, Union Council Gadap, Karachi.
The event marked the successful completion of a major education initiative aimed at improving access to quality education for girls in underserved rural communities across Sindh.
High-Level Officials Attend Inauguration Ceremony
The ceremony was attended by Japanese Ambassador to Pakistan Akamatsu Shuichi, Sindh Minister for Education and Literacy Syed Sardar Ali Shah, representatives of the School Education and Literacy Department, Government of Sindh, JICA Pakistan Chief Representative Shinozaki Yusuke, along with teachers, students, parents, project officials, and members of the local community.
The gathering highlighted the strong partnership between Pakistan and Japan in advancing educational development and promoting gender-inclusive learning opportunities.
Japan Provides 1.686 Billion Yen Grant for School Upgrades
Under the project, the Government of Japan provided grant assistance amounting to 1.686 billion Japanese Yen to upgrade 20 primary girls’ schools into elementary schools in rural districts of Sindh.
The initiative included the construction and expansion of 60 classrooms, significantly improving school infrastructure and creating a safer, more modern, and conducive learning environment for female students.
The upgraded institutions are expected to benefit approximately 2,400 girls each year, enabling them to continue their education within their own communities without the need to travel long distances.
Japan Reaffirms Commitment to Girls’ Education
Addressing the ceremony, Ambassador Akamatsu Shuichi reaffirmed Japan’s continued commitment to supporting Pakistan’s education sector, with a particular focus on expanding educational opportunities for girls in underserved and rural areas.
He expressed confidence that improved educational facilities would encourage greater female enrolment and retention, empowering young girls to pursue higher education and make meaningful contributions to their communities and the country’s future development.
JICA Praises Strong Partnership
Speaking on the occasion, JICA Pakistan Chief Representative Shinozaki Yusuke commended the close cooperation among the Government of Sindh, JICA, project implementation teams, local communities, and other stakeholders that made the successful completion of the project possible.
He noted that the upgraded schools would provide girls with improved educational facilities, a safer learning environment, and greater opportunities for academic and personal growth.
Strengthening Pakistan–Japan Educational Cooperation
The project reflects the longstanding partnership between Pakistan and Japan in promoting inclusive and sustainable development through education.
Japanese officials reaffirmed that both the Government of Japan and JICA remain committed to strengthening bilateral cooperation and supporting initiatives that improve educational access, promote gender equality, and contribute to Pakistan’s long-term social and economic development.
BY: The Times Union
