ReliefWeb

When it comes to learning, Afghan kids just can't get enough. Since the fall of the Taliban late in 2001, students have been returning to school in astounding numbers. Several schools in the Herat City area report a ten-fold increase in enrolment from one year ago. Many students, if not most, are girls, allowed to go to school for the first time in six years. Many boys who were only allowed to learn the Koran from religious leaders during Taliban time have also gone back to class.
Smiles, excited chatter and eagerly raised hands fill Afghanistan's bursting-at-the-seams schools. The enthusiasm to learn is heartening -- but where do you put so many enthusiastic learners? This is a question worried school officials are constantly grappling with. Tent classrooms and shorter school days help stretch resources to the limit, but are only a short-term solution.

World Vision Afghanistan is helping Afghanistan education for the long term by building and rehabilitating key schools in Herat and Badghis Provinces. The newest developments appear below.

World Vision Japan, government of Japan to add more classrooms at donated school

World Vision Japan and the Government of Japan will add a second floor to their recently completed building at Saifee School in Herat City, doubling the number of classrooms to 20 and accommodating approximately 500 more students. Work has begun, and is expected to be completed by early April 2003.

World Vision Ireland, Irish government school halfway finished

Construction has begun on the second floor of the eagerly awaited Fakri school in Herat City, which World Vision Ireland and the Irish government are funding. When completed, the school will feature 23 classrooms, one office and one meeting room, 20 latrines, septic and absorption tanks, a ground reservoir, an elevated reservoir and a perimeter fence. Doors are scheduled to open by March 15, 2003.

Kabul Kindergarten rehab in progress

World Vision Hong Kong and World Vision CBF are funding the reconstruction of a kindergarten in Kabul. The work is expected to be completed before the return of students to school in February 2003 after a several-month winter break. An estimated 2,150 students will benefit.