The New Zealand Overseas Development Assistance (NZODA) has provided Aga Khan University School of Nursing (AKUSON) sponsorships worth Rs. 2.6 million for 11 nursing  students from the preparatory Track I programme  leading to Diploma in Nursing. During his visit to AKUSON, Moin Fudda, Honorary  Consul General of New Zealand for Pakistan, presented the cheque to Dr. Yasmin Amarsi, Associate Dean of Nursing.

The Track 1 programme aims to help students from underprivileged areas by improving their proficiency in English, mathematics and basic sciences, so that after successful completion of this one-semester programme, these students are able to join the R.N. diploma programme. The beneficiaries of this generous  donation are students from the underprivileged regions of the  country.  The scholarships will cover the full cost for the five-month preparatory period and the three-year diploma programme. Speaking on the occasion, Moin Fudda said, "For this project, I had three criteria in mind - quality education, health and women's development. I knew AKUSON would attract the interest of the New Zealand government - they view AKUH as one of the outstanding institutions of the world … and because of AKU's credibility, this case was well received by the New Zealand  government."

Appreciating the generous support by the New Zealand government, AKUSON students said that this gesture would go a long way in helping them achieve their objectives of enhancing the quality of life of their families and the community at large. They also thanked AKU for providing an opportunity for their professional and personal development.