Arazi School opens in Kunar Province

KUNAR PROVINCE, AFGHANISTAN

02.23.2011

Courtesy Story

Combined Joint Task Force 101

KUNAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Afghan provincial government officials and Kunar Provincial Reconstruction Team members officially opened the Arazi School at a ceremony in Khas Kunar District, Feb. 17.

Funded by the PRT, the 14-room school represents a more than $240,000 investment into the future of Afghanistan.

“In this building, we will grow the future leaders of Afghanistan,” said Mohammad Rahim, a teacher.

Rahim began his remarks by making a foray into American history, telling the district elders and students who gathered for the ceremony of the American victory in World War II. After the Americans dropped the atomic bomb, he said, and Japan capitulated, they immediately set to work in rebuilding Japan. When the Japanese leaders were deciding where they wanted to focus the efforts, he told the crowd, a wise man advised them to choose education, “and now look at Japan; they are one of the most advanced countries.”

“The Americans are kind and generous,” Rahim said. “And just as they helped Japan, they will help the Afghan people.”

Abdul Qahar, the deputy director of education, affirmed the importance education plays in the future of Afghanistan during his remarks. “Education is the key to peace and security,” he said. Now, with this new school, 1,080 of Khas Kunar’s more than 6,000 students will have a clean, well-constructed, solar-powered building to house them while they pursue their studies, he said.

“This school was built by Afghans, it will be attended by Afghans, and it will be protected by Afghans,” said U.S. Navy Cmdr. Brian Goss, Kunar PRT commander from Annapolis, Md. “Every day Afghanistan is getting stronger,” he continued. “As long as we are here, we will continue to help you work toward a brighter future.”

Gov. Fazlullah Wahidi, Kunar provincial governor and staunch education supporter, was pleased with the progress being made for education in Kunar. “The Afghan people, after 30 years of war, are putting down their guns and picking up pens and books,” he said.

However, the most encouraging words spoken that day were delivered in song by four Afghan boys who will attend classes at the new school. “We have love in our hearts and strength in our arms,” they sang, “and we will strive for a better tomorrow.”

• Date Taken: 02.23.2011
• Date Posted: 02.23.2011 12:57
• Story ID: 65941
• Location: KUNAR PROVINCE, AF