URUZGAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Afghan National Security Forces Literacy Program instructors and program books arrived in order to teach Afghan Local Police in Ghuyena Village, Chorah district, Dec. 2.
“The arrival of the ANSF Literacy Program to the region marks the first educational opportunity for the ALP in the area,” said a coalition special operations forces team member.
The ALP commander initiated the program through local channels, with the support of coalition SOF team members, who also provided school supplies for the program.
“The ALP commander being able to get the program started through the use of local resources and channels shows that the ALP are eager to learn and are able to access the [Afghan government's] resources without the assistance of coalition forces,” said the coalition SOF spokesman.
The literacy program will last seven months, and each ALP checkpoint in the area is scheduled to receive four hours of instruction per day, with tests scheduled every few weeks. The goal of the program is for the ALP to be able to read and write basic sentences and reports.
“Approximately 98 percent of the ALP in the region are illiterate. Therefore, the ANSF Literacy Program presents an easily accessible and sustainable way to bring education to the surrounding area,” added the coalition SOF team member.