By Julia Gillard, Board Chair of the Global Partnership for Education 

On behalf of the Global Partnership for Education I extend our heartfelt condolences to the people of Afghanistan and Pakistan following the earthquake that has taken the lives of hundreds of people and injured thousands.

The earthquake is a tragedy for the countries, communities, families and thousands of people. As always, it is the poor that will suffer the most in such crises. Given the remote, mountainous location of the hardest hit areas and deteriorating weather conditions, it will take time to know the full extent of the damage to the children, teachers, and their families.

Our hearts and thoughts are with the people of Afghanistan and Pakistan and we hope for successful rescue and recovery efforts. The Global Partnership for Education will continue to work with both countries as each rebuilds damaged schools.