NEWS RELEASE                                                                                                    
For immediate release:  Mansehra, Pakistan  January 16th, 2006

100 days after Pakistani earthquake - a glimmer of hope for the future

100 days after the Pakistan earthquake International children’s agency, Plan sees hope and opportunity amidst the devastation.

The children’s agency highlighted the success of its cooperation with the government, other local and international agencies and especially its temporary schools and early learning programmes for the optimism.

Plan’s CEO Tom Miller, speaking from the mountains high above the earthquake area said:
“We’re extremely proud of the schools. When you walk into a tented village and the sounds you hear are children laughing, singing and learning together, you know you’re doing something right. And when children ask for the school to remain open during school vacation, you know you’re really doing something right”

Mr Miller, making his second trip to the area after the quake added:
“The earthquake was a tragedy, but has provided exciting opportunities too. These schools now provide education for any child, some who have never had access to formal learning before. In particular, they provide the same access and opportunities for girls. We hope this opportunity will not be wasted”

Plan provides school facilities and staff throughout the Siran valley for over 1500 children in the Mansehra district alone.

Plan CEO Tom Miller will be available for interviews and first hand opinions and observations on Monday 16th and Tuesday 17th January.

For more information or to arrange timings contact Gary Walker on+88216 898 000 40 or +66 1984 1892

Plan is an international humanitarian child-centered organisation working with children, families and their communities in 46 developing countries. Founded over 60 years ago, Plan has no religious, political or governmental affiliation.