Association for the Development of Pakistan

[Khurram Jamali]

Please find attached an email from Mueen Batlay, who is planning a relatively large scale project in Karachi. No Chapter has adopted this project for consideration as yet so feel free to consider it. Please let me know if you require Mueen's email address.

best

Khurram

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Khurram,

It was good talking to you yesterday. As we agreed on the phone, I am laying out my request for consideration of the Executive Committee of the Association for the Development of Pakistan.

First, for the benefit of the committee, a quick introduction of myself: My name is Mueen Batlay. I presently work as an Education Policy Specialist in the Executive Office of the Mayor of Washington DC on developing legislation, managing programs and conducting research on DC Public Schools and Public Charter Schools. My experience includes 2 years of investment banking, 8 years of working at the World Bank on privatization and government bond market development, and three years of teaching grades 9-12 at a DC Public High School. I hold a Master of Public Policy from the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, and am an advanced candidate for PhD in Educational Policy at the University of Maryland at College Park.


I have encountered your organization through my work with Relief Shelter Drive. I helped organize a fund-raiser In Washington DC through which we raised about $3,000, which we channelled through your organization to RST. I have worked with Shenaaz at RST.



On August 9, 2006, I am Inshallah moving back to Pakistan. I hope to start an NGO there, named Intezaam e Taleem (IET), to focus on bulding capacity in district governments in Sindh to better manage government schools.





We all know that the future of Pakistan lies in vastly improving the quality of education offered in Pakistan's schools. Although private schools have grown sharply over the past 15 years, 65% of Pakistan's students remain enrolled in dysfunctional government schools. In rural Sindh, 95% of enrollment is government schools. I am determined to improve the administration of government schools in Sindh. The way forward shown by NGOs through their efforts in school reform and constructing school systems must be leveraged one step up to bring about reform and effectiveness of the management of government schools by district governments.



I would like IET to approach this problem by discovering indigenous methods that have worked in districts. Based on a district government's drive, needs, willingness to collaborate and appropriate stage of development, one district will be identified to undertake a capacity building pilot project. The capacity building plan will be jointly developed and implemented in collaboration with the district government. Exactly what is done and how will depend on the unique circumstances and needs of the district. IET will endeavor to commence the pilot two months after its launch in Pakistan. Within four months of launch, IET will provide evidence of the effectiveness of its approach.



The core of the IET effort is a thorough analysis of the problem, and a flexible, evolving response. Innovative approaches need to be deployed to overcome age-old hurdles in government such as political interference, corruption, mismanagement as well as feudal opposition to the spread of education. This core effort depends on expertise and a full-time effort.



The first year budget for IET is approx. $60,000. Details are available in a business plan that I can be send to you upon request.




I am focusing on Sindh, becuase it needs help, and is my home province. If the winning combination of management, incentives, indigenous methods and community involvement can stem the systematic collapse of Sindh's government schools, there is hope for an economically prosperous and socially progressive Sindh in the future.



I have raised $6,000 so far through pledges. However, being able to donate the funds to a tax-exempt non-profit is critical to encourage people to donate. I request the Association for the Development of Pakistan to assist me in this matter, by receiving funds for the "Intezaam e Taleem Project", allowing donors to classify their donations as tax deductible, and then conveying these funds to Intezaam e Taleem in Pakistan. I would undertake all activities of fund-raiding myself. The only additional assistance that your organization may provide is a link from your website to the IET website (under construction).




I am happy to answer more questions and provide more information as needed. I understand that in order for your organization to agree to my request, a high threshhold of confidence would be required, and I am ready to provide whatever it takes to develop that confidence.



Thank you for your time and consideration.



I am copying this email to Amel Qudsia, who is helping me in this matter.




Sincerely,




Mueen Batlay

[Justin Stone]

Thanks Khurram. I expect Boston will take this on, and will let everyone know if there is any change.

Omar or I will put the PC in touch with you to get the contact information and other specifics...

~Justin

[Khurram Jamali]

I am following up with Mueen Batlay to figure out what he is up to these days.

[Mubarik Imam]

Great, thanks! Please keep us posted and let us know how we can help.