RECORDER REPORT

ISLAMABAD: Twenty Four Pakistani PhD scholars through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) have completed their studies and received their degrees in the United States.

Upon completing the degrees, the scholars have returned to Pakistan and are serving as faculty members at local universities, some of the scholars who completed their PhD degrees with U.S. government assistance shared their experiences here at an event organized by the USAID.

In total, the U.S. government through the USAID has funded 35 scholars to complete their PhD degrees in education out of which 24 have completed and have returned to Pakistan.

Two scholars reflected on their experiences during the event. In their remarks, the scholars discussed the gap between traditional Pakistani teaching practices and internationally standardized teaching methodologies promoted in their PhD programs. Both scholars expressed their commitment to using their training to improve the quality of education instruction and curriculum development in Pakistan. They discussed the value of the “multiplier effect model,” where academic leaders unleash the genius of their students and colleagues. The event was attended by USAID Pakistan Mission Director John Groarke and representatives from Higher Education Commission.

Groarke encouraged the graduates to think about their futures as educators.

“You have experienced first-hand some of the best teaching and educational resources the world has to offer,” Groarke said. “I encourage you to use your experiences as a launching pad to create meaningful change that will serve future generations.”

The PhD scholarship program is one of several USAID initiatives that strengthen the quality of education and research in Pakistan. Through the Training for Pakistan project, USAID has committed US$33.9 million to provide training to Pakistani professionals across sectors, including education. The program also serves other sectors, including economic growth, agriculture, health, energy, and governance.