Islamabad, Feb. 13 (TNS): The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) Country Office in Pakistan, the Department of International Department (DFID) and the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) have signed a UNOPS pilot project here Tuesday which aimed at Improving Quality of Learning through Provision of Sustainable Renewable Energy Solutions in Primary Schools in 7 Southern Districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhaw (KP).
High officials from the Government including Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Minister Education, Minister Transportation, Education Secretariat, Directorate PEDO, Secretary Planning and Developemnt KP, Chief Foreign Aid Office and Secretary Energy were present at the occasion along with UN Resident Coordinator and heads of other UN agencies and representatives of foreign missions and donor agencies.
The envisaged project is to be implemented by UNOPS Pakistan Office in partnership with the KP Education Department through the joint financial support of the Department of International Department (DFID) and the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD).
In total, the generous contribution from DFID and SFD for the duration of the project will amount to about US$ 8.5 million.
In his speech the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pervaiz Khatak said: “Solar is a great fit for the schools in these seven districts because the vast majority of their power usage is during the day, when the sun is at its peak.
Solar power provides a more efficient way for schools to meet their energy needs. In the long term it is anticipated the provision of energy solutions in school will convince the parents of those children who are reluctant to otherwise send their children to schools due to want of basic facilities in schools.
The Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is thankful to the Department for International Development (DFID), UK, Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) and United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) for making this project happen.
