Australia helping in capacity building of Pakistani youth

ISLAMABAD: Australian High Commissioner to Pakistan Margaret Adamson Friday said Australia was helping in capacity building of Pakistani youth and increasing number of Pakistani students studying in the country testified that fact.

In an interaction with media persons here at the National Press Club regarding the Australia Scholarship Programme, Margaret said education was an important link between the two countries and the growing number of Pakistanis making Australia their first choice for their professional development was encouraging.

Presently some 12,000 Pakistani students were studying in Australia, she added.

"The growing partnerships between Pakistan and Australia in technical and vocational education and training (TVET) sector will leverage Australia's expertise to strengthen the capacity of key public and private sector providers of TVET in Pakistan," Margaret Adamson said.

Replying to a question, she said Australia Awards offered Masters scholarships and short-term professional development opportunities to equip Pakistani professionals. "However, the less number of PhDs is because of the fact that we give priority to Masters programme and short courses, which also helps mid-career professionals," she added.

The high commissioner said with the advanced skills and knowledge, professionals could shape their respective careers in a better way.

Margaret Adamson said Australia Awards were a central pillar of her government's longstanding development assistance programme to Pakistan. "Returned scholars will join an active and engaged community of Australian alumni in Pakistan, as well as regional and global alumni networks," she hoped.

Australia, she said, had some of the world's best facilities, researchers and educators, providing local and international students with a range of quality study options.

Speaking on the occasion, Australia Awards Alumnus Faiza Syed said they had a platform which would help the youth excel both personally and professionally, and the ability and skills to help the community. The awards were aimed at a better future for all, she added.

High Commissioner Margaret encouraged women to apply for the programme, which had 50/50 ratio of seats for both men and women as the Australian government believed in equal gender based opportunities.