ZABUL, Afghanistan - Education is almost globally acknowledged as one of the most important factors in the quality of life and opportunity of all children. Afghanistan is no different. Often, especially in the Spin Boldak District, the biggest hurdle in the way of a child’s education isn’t lack of a school or teacher. When these things can be found the biggest impediment to learning is lack of supplies. Not only do most schools lack serviceable books but they are almost all uniformly lacking in common items like pens, pencils, paper, crayons, chalk, and folders.
Troopers of 4th Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment have been aiding their Afghan partners in relieving this situation throughout the Spin Boldak District. By providing children with back packs full of school supplies, they are enabling them to attend and learn in newly refinished schools. The Sabers have accompanied their Afghan Border Patrol and Afghan National Police brothers in number of back pack drops thus far this year and have number planned. For less than $6.00 a year’s worth of supplies and a back pack can be bought. Currently the Afghan National Security Forces have outfitted over 700 students thus far this year.
The delight that the students feel at getting these new backpacks is easily seen all over the faces of the children at locations like Abdul Razziq school.
“I am so happy to have my back pack. I can go to school now,” said a student.
A local official, Spin Boldak Education minister Haji Badrudin, also stated that the ANSF and ISAF forces succeeded where others had failed by simply giving the packs directly to the children.
The ANSF as well as the Sabers believe that by educating the children of the district they are building a better country. These children will carry on the work of governing, feeding, and defending Afghanistan. These backpacks, as simple as they are, are helping to do that.