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    School opens in Afghan district, first in 15 years

    School opens in Afghan district, first in 15 years in remote southern Afghan district

    Photo By Sgt. Benjamin Watson | A school teacher prepares his room for students Jan. 26 at a newly-opened school in...... read more read more

    KANDAHAR PROVINCE, AFGHANISTAN

    01.28.2011

    Story by Sgt. Benjamin Watson 

    NATO Special Operations Component Command-Afghanistan

    KANDAHAR, Afghanistan – Nearly 20 children attended their first day of classes Jan. 26 at a newly-opened school in Maruf District, Kandahar province, Afghanistan.

    There have been no schools in Maruf for many years, said the school's teacher, who asked for his name to be withheld.

    "Maruf is a very distant and ancient place," he said."I was told growing up that there was once a very distinguished place of learning here, many years ago. I can tell you for sure that there have been no schools since the Taliban closed them nearly 15 years ago."

    Many of Maruf's children have gone to Pakistan for an education and never returned, Police Chief Nader Khan said.

    "The people of Maruf are very poor, and establishing a school would be a good step in helping Maruf get a better future," said Col. Anwar, commander of the Afghan Border Police's 2nd Kandak operating in Maruf District.

    There is a saying about education which is common in Afghanistan, both the teacher and Anwar said.

    "The difference between an educated man and an uneducated man is like the difference between a man who is blind and a man who has vision," the teacher said.

    "The educated man can see everything that is going on in his country," Anwar explained. "He can see the Afghan and the Coalition forces, whereas someone who is blind will see nothing."

    "I am very happy and I am proud today," said Abdul Samat Durrani, the Maruf District Governor. "We have been working very long to open our first school here, and today there were many young children who arrived.

    "This is a very big help to the people of Maruf," he added, "and I will never forget this event."

    On hand at the school’s opening were U.S. Forces from Special Operations Task Force – South, who are partnered with area security forces.

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 01.28.2011
    Date Posted: 01.29.2011 05:23
    Story ID: 64437
    Location: KANDAHAR PROVINCE, AF

    Web Views: 65
    Downloads: 1

    PUBLIC DOMAIN