ANSF, NTM-A bolster bond between Afghan universities

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

07.02.2011

Story by Vladimir Potapenko 

NATO Training Mission Afghanistan

KABUL - Striving for professional and enthusiastic leaders to guide the Afghan military and nation into the future, the Afghan National Secruity Force has begun to delve deeper into the network of Afghan universities. That effort took a step forward July 2, as ANSF officials, teamed with NATO Training Mission-Afghanistan, delivered over $25,000 worth of text books to Kabul Medical University.

Gifting new editions of medical texts such as Gray’s Anatomy, the ANSF demonstrated the military’s commitment to the burgeoning class of students bound for success in a restructured Afghanistan.

“This is just a symbol of how important it is what we are doing [between the ANSF and universities],” said Afghan National Army Col. Abdul Hakim, the head ANSF medical recruiter and ANSF representative on the delivery.

KMU’s donation is the first step in a six-site roll out of initial support. Helping the ANSF achieve this is NTM-A and Cabrillo College, a California community college engaged in helping provide educational opportunities to warring nations such as Iraq and Afghanistan.

“The long term goal of our outreach is to build relationships between university communities and ANSF to improve perceptions and the capacity of students and faculty to participate in the debate on national security” said U.S. Army Maj. A. Heather Coyne, NTM-A non-governmental organization liaison. “And maybe someday in the future, improve recruiting of graduates into leadership positions in the ANSF.”

A more educated military makes a better military, added Hakim.

“They create life for the people of Afghanistan and are more helpful due to the fact they fill critical areas needed by the ANSF,” he said, pointing to the skills and flexibility of university graduates entering the military.

Though only a first step in the partnership, the university was grateful for the donation, said Dr.Shirin Aqa Zarif, KMU chancellor.

Next, the ANSF moves its sights to Kabul University, Kabul Education University, Bamiyan University, and various teaching hospitals in Kabul; hopefully a pipeline for its future leaders.

• Date Taken: 07.02.2011
• Date Posted: 07.04.2011 02:09
• Story ID: 73190
• Location: KABUL, AF