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ANDAR DISTRICT, Afghanistan – The Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan reopened 29 schools in Andar District, Ghazni province, March 22, in conjunction with Now Ruz celebrations throughout Afghanistan.
Most of the schools were previously shut down by the Taliban in 2007 with only a handful remaining open with GIRoA teachers, but influenced by the Taliban.
District officials desired to reopen the schools under the full funding and support of GIRoA. District officials also have plans to open a school for girls later this spring, which will be the only one in Andar District; however, many repairs need to be made on the building.
The Taliban broke all the windows in the building and defaced the property. With repairs and a new wall around the compound for security, girls will have the opportunity to attend school much like the boys.
Taza Gul, director of education for Andar District, with the backing of Sher Khan, Andar District sub-governor, approached provincial officials and the U.S. Army’s 2nd battalion, 2nd Infantry Regiment civil affairs team seeking help in reopening the schools. Taza Gul, whose son was killed by a Taliban mortar attack about eight months ago while teaching English at Miri District bazaar, believes education is crucial to the future of Afghanistan.
He also said he expects about 20,400 students to attend the schools and has the full support of district officials and the civil affairs team.
“[Taza Gul] knows that area, he’s a teacher and he’s a leader,” said U.S. Army Maj. Michael Tucker, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Infantry Regiment civil affairs team leader. “He’s been running education under the Taliban and managed to keep some of the schools open. He came to us to reopen the schools under GIRoA.”
While there are reports of the Taliban warning the population to avoid the schools, students and parents said they are eager to have education back into their everyday lives.
One Afghan mother in Miri said she wants to send her children to school despite some concerns about security and the Taliban telling her the school would only teach Christianity and an American curriculum. A local boy, Salim, said he is excited to attend school again, and the girls playing outside the school property said they are eager to go to school. Speaking with the girls’ mothers, they all support their daughters getting an education, but all are wary of security.
However, with the increased presence of Afghan National Security Forces with the assistance from coalition forces in Andar District, school officials are confident the schools are secure.
Recently GIRoA opened the Miri District Winter School that that was well-received by the locals, and the only school open during the winter months. The reopening of the other schools is partly due to the success of that school.
“In December, the group that was here before us, worked with the sub-governor to open up the first winter school,” said U.S. Army Capt. Matt Morgan, Task Force Ramrod Civil Affairs Officer. “It’s not something done normally. It’s the equivalent to an American summer school. It was the first time since the Taliban shut down the schools in 2007, that a GIRoA run, GIRoA curriculum school operated. They had approximately 120 students from 11 to 27 years old. Based off that success and the greater influence GIRoA has in the district, they decided to go ahead and open all 29 schools this spring.”
Tucker said the schools teach core classes including science, geography, history, math and religion. On the reopening day, the schools were filled with new chalk boards, fresh paint and new books. While attendance may be slow at first, Tucker believes attendance will increase and the population is ready.
“I think the population is very well prepared,” he said. “More than the students, the teachers are ready to teach … they are very excited. The teachers said the Taliban will allow the schools to reopen … possibly because the population wants the schools open. In fact, the government wants to open an additional 10 schools [making 39 in the district].”
With massive transition underway throughout Afghanistan, educating the population and bringing up a generation that is more literate and knowledgeable is essential for building the future of the country.
“You cannot help and establish government without education,” said Taza Gul. “I hope the students will be good people and help the community in the future. Education can stop radicalization.”
| Date Taken: | 03.23.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 03.24.2011 08:48 |
| Story ID: | 67655 |
| Location: | ANDAR DISTRICT, AF |
| Web Views: | 341 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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