Farah officials, PRT celebrate start of classes for 200 young women

FARAH CITY, AFGHANISTAN

05.31.2011

Story by Capt. Candace Park 

Provincial Reconstruction Team Farah

FARAH, Afghanistan – Provincial government officials and members of the Farah Provincial Reconstruction Team celebrated the launch of a new U.S. Embassy-funded program totalling more than $70,000 which will provide year-long computer and math classes to more than 200 young women in Farah province.

The Humanitarian Organization for Local Development, a local non-governmental organization, is implementing the program, which includes class instruction for five hours a week at the HOLD building and at four local high schools.

“These classes help students get ready for the working environment,” said HOLD’s director Zala Ahmad.

Recent graduates from one of HOLD’s computer courses will become assistant teachers for this new program, passing on their new skills to other young women from the community.

Ahmad said HOLD has petitioned Farah’s Department of Education to certify the classes.

“We have many students going to school, and we want their certificates to be worth something after they have earned them,” Ahmad said. “I would like the women leaving here to have professional skills that they can use in the future.”

• Date Taken: 05.31.2011
• Date Posted: 06.12.2011 03:51
• Story ID: 71973
• Location: FARAH CITY, AF