AUSTRALIAN HIGH COMMISSION
ISLAMABAD
23 September 2013
Press Release
AusAID’s High Officials visit Balochistan Exploring Educational Opportunities for the Province
Head of Aid in Pakistan, Mr Greg Ellis and First Secretary, Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID), Ms. Kate Chamley recently visited Quetta on 17 September 2013 to meet key officials from the Government of Balochistan to discuss different education sector initiatives undertaken by AusAID in the province. 
The senior AusAID officials also explored opportunities associated with the Australia Awards program to strengthen Pakistan’s human resource capabilities through provision of short and long term opportunities for educational, research and professional development to support growth in the province and to build enduring links at the individual, institutional and country level. Australia’s development assistance program to Pakistan has grown steadily in recent years, reaching A$87.9 million in 2013/14 with a focus on health, education and agriculture. The Australia Awards are an important component of Australia’s investment in education - the flagship of the Australian aid program.
The AusAID team also took this opportunity to meet with previous award recipients based in Balochistan. The alumni, shared experiences of time spent in Australia and discussed how they have applied their Australian education in contributing towards development of Pakistan. During discussions, alumni advocated the benefits of the Australia Awards program both professionally and personally.
Despite the difficulties in organising alumni activities in Balochistan, the group offered many suggestions and ideas on how to increase both alumni interaction and people’s awareness of this great opportunity for studies in Australia.
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