The fifth round of Pakistan Education Leadership Institute (PELI) ended successfully at the Plymouth State University, New Hampshire USA on July 25th, 2008. Twenty participants completed an intensive four weeks of training and received Certificates of Professional Development in Demonstrating Active and Responsible Citizenship through Education in Environmental Stewardship and Cultural Heritage Preservation. To date 100 secondary educators have completed this program from 2004-2008. All 20 participants of PELI 2008 were awarded for: session attendance, sessions participation, and the completion of an effective master plan.
All 20 participants hailing from: Sindh, Punjab, Islamabad Capital Territory, NWFP, FATA and AJ&K are to implement the master plan uniquely developed for their respective institutions/regions in Pakistan. They will receive a modest grant to facilitate various activities of the master plan. ITA and PSU are most pleased about this Summer Institute and its key thrust areas of: Responsible citizenship, environmental stewardship and cultural heritage preservation. These are critical components of an education system that values the creation of empowered citizens who have: civic values; are aware of environmental issues and are embedded in preserving heritage as a living source of culture and learning.
The participants visited Washington D.C to meet with the State Department, the sponsor of the Summer Institute since 2004 and Mr. Adam Meir at the Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs (ECA). Each group visit reassures the State Department of the value of the program and the strategic importance of the manner in which participants are selected : practicing educators/administrators from secondary schools(public and some private); faculty and trainers at various universities and teacher training institutions and program managers/trainers  from civil society organizations engaged in education.  
The multiplier effect of the strategic selection from institutions across Pakistan has been significant. According to the evaluation conducted in 2007, to date over 116,000 teachers and trainers have been trained by 65 alumni of PSU who participated in the summer institutes from 2004-2006 (www.itacec.org). This is only one facet and indicator of success. There are indeed many more at institutional, personal and professional levels.      
Ms. Blakeman  Allen, the  Director, Pakistani Educational Leadership Institute, Coordinator, Pakistani Projects, Plymouth State University, performed outstandingly in steering the 20 participants through this mulit-disciplinary and multi-cultural experience. Each year Ms. Blakeman mobilizes a valuable faculty support fully backed by the PSU President to deliver a rich program of professional development. The  focus is always on up-gradation of skills in: mathematics, science language and administration but with a theme based approach, highlighting the value of cultural exchanges for better understanding across geographical boundaries.    
ITA – PSU Team 2008