UNITED NATIONS GIRLS EDUCATION INITIATIVE

NEW YORK, USA, 10 June 2009 - The United Nations Girls’ Education Initiative (UNGEI) is deeply saddened by the deaths of aid workers in the bombing of the Pearl Continental Hotel in Peshawar yesterday. UNGEI strongly condemns this attack.

One of those killed was the UNICEF Pakistan Chief of Education, Ms. Perseveranda So, a much-loved colleague.

Persy, as she was fondly known, had traveled to Pakistan’s North-West Frontier Province to help ensure that girls, displaced by the nearby conflict, would be able to start or continue their education. She was a highly committed individual, who worked tirelessly to help improve access to quality education for all children.

UNGEI salutes Persy’s unwavering commitment to girls’ education. We offer our deepest condolences to Persy’s family and colleagues, and to all those who lost loved ones in this heinous act.

Further information can be found at http://www.unicef.org.

Colleagues and friends wishing to express their condolences may send them in care of Ms. Vanessa Tobin, Representative, UNICEF Manila at the following office
address:

UNICEF Manila
P.O. Box 1076
Makati Central Post Office
1250 Makati City
Philippines 1200

May she rest in eternal peace and may her family find comfort during this difficult

UNGEI Secretariat
10 June 2009