Islamabad - October 1, 2015 - Seventy six students from FATA received their Higher Secondary School Certificate today during a ceremony held in Islamabad.  Secretary of Economic Affairs Division Muhammad Sethi and U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Mission Director John Groarke distributed certificates to the studentswho completed their studies through the USAID FATA Scholarship Program.  The special ceremony was held October 1, 2015 at the Serena Hotel, where several studentsshared highlights of their life-changing experience and their aspirations for further studies.

The USAID FATA Scholarship Program, started in 2008, provided scholarships to students exhibiting academic aptitude, a desire to learn in the English medium, interest in a rigorous study program, and were able to attend boarding schools located outside their immediate area.

"I can think of no better example of the United States' long-term commitment to this amazing country, and its shared vision of a secure, vibrant, and prosperous Pakistan.  These scholars show what is possible when our two countries work together," Mission Director Groarke said at the ceremony.

Hamid Ullah, a scholarship recipient from Khyber Agency who went on to study at Islamia College, Peshawar, said, "Education has opened up my vision.  I want to be a doctor and I am studying hard to get admission in a good medical college.  I can never thank the people of America enough for giving me this opportunity."

Another student Zakir Ullah, who hails from Bajaur Agency and also studied at Islamia College said, "We consider ourselves very lucky that we got this scholarship.  It provided us the opportunity to study at one of the most prestigious colleges in Pakistan."