Barmal elders reopen school to stop pupils crossing into Pakistan

SHARANA (Pajhwok): Tribal elders have reconstructed and reopened a school in Barmal district of southeastern Paktia province for students who attend classes in neighboring Pakistan.

A tribal elder in the district, Sidiqullah, on Monday told Pajhwok Afghan News that over the past eight years, students residing along the border had been going to Pakistani schools for education.

 “We reconstructed the school which was destroyed by Pakistani paramilitary forces to provide these children the opportunity to learn here instead of going across the border.”

Meanwhile, another tribal elder in the district, Mubariz Khan, while confirming the matter, said dozens of students now attended the Kamal Border School.

A student of the school, Bakht Mohammad, said over the past seven years he was obliged to cross the border into Pakistan to study in a school there.

“We were taught Pakistani curriculum and all books were in Urdu language. We had to respect their national anthem and also we would kiss Pakistani flag every morning.”

Bakht Mohammad said the tribal elders had reopened a school for them on their own soil.

Paktika Education Department deputy head, Abdul Rahim Ishaqzai, confirmed the Kamal Border School had been reactivated with support of locals. “Soon books and other teaching materials will reach the school.”

Ishaqzai said based on the Education Department plan, a new building would also be constructed for the school next year.

It’s pertinent to mention that currently three out of total nine schools in Barmak district are closed.

sns/ma