Panjshir opens Teachers' Training College

Courtesy Photo | Army Col. Jonathan Ives, Task Force Cincinnatus commander, cuts the ribbon dedicating the Teachers' Training College in Panjshir June 10.  

AFGHANISTAN

06.11.2007

Courtesy Story

Combined Joint Task Force - 82 PAO

By Combined Joint Task Force-82
Combined Press Information Center

PANJSHIR, AFGHANISTAN – Education across Afghanistan, specifically Panjshir province, received a boost June 10 with the opening of the Panjshir Teachers' Training College.

The Afghan National Minister of Education, Haseef Atmar, spoke to the importance of a nationally supported education system, with quality teachers, for the future of Afghanistan.

"Without teachers this country will go nowhere and we can't have teachers without a teachers' training college," said Atmar.

Cheers erupted from the crowd of nearly 400 that included Panjshir Gov. Bahlol Bajig, when the minister spoke of support for education at the provincial level.

"Both the governor and the provincial director of education have spoken to me about the importance of education in this province," continued Atmar. "I will not forget the things they've asked for."

Among the minister's comments were his desires to increase teachers' salaries, build libraries in the province and add to the number of schools.

The importance of the training college, a $130,000 facility to the future of Afghanistan, was noted by Army Col. Jonathan Ives, Task Force Cincinnatus commander.

"As the five rivers of Panjshir come together to create one big river, so do the teachers from across Afghanistan come together to create the education system for the future of this country," said Ives.

Construction on the Teachers' Training Center began in January and includes separate male and female dormitories, a cafeteria and (bathroom) facilities.

One of the keynote speakers during the ribbon cutting ceremony said the training center is a step in the right direction that says the national government continually works to improve the education system.

"We've built schools, but now we need qualified teachers," said Haji Zalmee Shaheed, provincial director of education. "The teachers we have need transportation, better pay and more supplies. Minister Atmar's visit here is the first step in this process of having national attention on our needs."

Bahlol thanked the minister for working with provincial leaders to get the center built.

"We appreciate the work that Minister Atmar has done for us," said Bahlol. "We worked together to establish this training college that will add more jobs, better education and a future for our children and country."

Before returning to Kabul, Atmar joined Bahlol, Shaheed, and other provincial leaders for a traditional "palau" lunch and conversation.

• Date Taken: 06.11.2007
• Date Posted: 06.11.2007 13:12
• Story ID: 10769
• Location: AF