More than 400 people attended the Gala Event at Hyatt Regency, Boston on August 26, 2005 to promote Human Development in Pakistan through ideas and support. The event was organized by United Nations Development Program(UNDP), Pakistan's National Commission for Human Development(NCHD) and Pakistan Human Development Fund(PHDF). Nasin Ashraf, chairman of NCHD presented an update on its activities. The event also featured scrumptious Pakistani Dinner and performances.
“It is the largest Pakistani event in the history of Boston,†said Shahid Ahmed Khan, the National Finance Co-Chair for the Kerry Campaign. Sheldon Whitehouse, Democratic candidate for Senate from Rhode Island, Elizabeth McCall from UNDP, Lard Nazeer Ahmed from UK, Farooq Captain, and Nasim Ahraf, the Chairman of NHCD were among the dignitaries present at the dinner.
Dr Nasim Ashraf presented an update on activities and achievement of NCHD. He highlighted the following achievements of NCHD:
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1.5 million previously out-of-school children (5-7 years) are now receiving education
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9,121 community-based feeder schools openedOver 9,054 adult literacy centers opened (86% female learners)
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19,000 teachers trained in enrollment dropout prevention and quality education
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40,000 volunteers trained to ensure community participation in education and health programs at a grassroots level
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NCHD’s Primary Health Care, National ORS and School Health Programs make NCHD the largest health care provider outside the government
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1.5 million women trained in preparation and usage of ORS all over Pakistan.
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Over 500,000 women and children have been vaccinated throughout Pakistan
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1.1 million receive door-to-door health care on a monthly basis
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Under Microsoft’s Community Technology Learning Center Program (CTLC) 449 women and district government employees have been trained in computer skills in remote areas of country
The talks and the presentation definitely inspired the attendees to make contributions to the development of Pakistan. An overwhelming response to pledge for NCHD extended through the dinner. The evening concluded with musical performances by renowned Pakistani artists.
NHCD was established by the government of Pakistan to address the need of poverty alleviation through education and primary healthcare of Pakistan. It is supported by United Nations Development program (UNDP) and they work together in accountable, transparent and responsible manner. In addition to UNDP, a number of international organizations have recognized the efforts of NCHD and have provided funding. Notable organizations include Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Microsoft, UNESCO, WHO, World Bank, Glaxo SmithKline, Coca Cola and Midas.
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