ISLAMABAD: The British Council in Pakistan and National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop and collaborate for Education during Emergencies and disasters through mutual collaborative activities.
The joint partnership aims to support NDMA's Vision to achieve sustainable social, economic and environmental development in Pakistan through reducing risks and vulnerabilities, particularly marginalised communities in the country.
Through the aid of this partnership, the British Council will provide technical support and advocacy to develop research, content and training modules. Furthermore, it will play a key role in capacity building, curriculum development and raising awareness to help NDMA achieve their 2022 goals, said a press release.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Peter Upton CMG, Country Director, British Council in Pakistan stated, "The British Council in Pakistan is a global organisation with a local approach. Through Education in Emergencies we aim to support NDMA's vision to achieve sustainable development in Pakistan through capacity building, and building strategic partnerships that will benefit the future of Pakistan. We are dedicated to creating sustainable solutions by providing expertise in education and research which we hope will have a long term impact."
Chairman NDMA, Major General Asghar Nawaz stated that Pakistan is most vulnerable to the effects of climate change and its consequences resulting into recurrent natural disasters, as witnessed in last decade. While the frequency of natural disaster may record increase, the Country also faces the challenges of man made disasters. The provision of education to our children affected by disaster therefore remains a constant challenge.
A comprehensive National approach for education during emergencies and disasters alongside provision of safe, secure and conducive environment is therefore much warranted. At this juncture, the MOU will strive for continuous improvements in education toward better quality and relevance by carrying out activities through networking of institutions, as well as information and knowledge sharing between Pakistani and UK institutions through the coordination fly wheel of NDMA Pakistan.
The British Council in Pakistan has a diverse education portfolio, which aims to create linkages between higher education institutions in Pakistan and the UK to build the capacity of teachers, students and organisations across Pakistan.
The present MoU, first of its kind will meaningfully contribute towards the neglected area of education during emergencies and disaster.
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