1,200 Paktika children getting free education

SHARAN (Pajhwok): An association called “Knowledge is Light” has set up free education classes for 1,200 boys and girls in the Yahyakhel district of southeastern Paktika province.

Haidar Pacha, head of the association, told Pajhwok Afghan News they had been educating children in Yahyakhel district over the past two years.

He said the campaign was being run with financial support from the Yahyakhel residents who were working in Gulf countries.

During the period, he added, they had set up more than 24 local classes in different villages of the district for 1,200 children, half of them girls.

Separate classes had been set up for boys and girls, who were being taught by male and female teachers, he added.

Pacha thanked local authorities for encouraging them and offering cooperation.

Two other members of the association, Dr. Khalil Ahmad and Syed Khan Suleiman, confirmed receiving financial support from the Afghans working abroad.

The process would be expanded to other areas of the province as well, they promised.

Mufti Niaz Mohammad, a resident of Yahyakhel, told Pajhwok hundreds of children would have been deprived of education without support from the association.

He called on well-off citizens to join hands with such individuals and groups for providing education to children in every area.

Mohammad Sharif, a tribal elder from the district, praised the activities of the “Knowledge is the Light” and its supporters.

Abdul Rahman, a teacher hired by the association, said local classes for children were useful and the children were taught well.

He asked the Education Department and other agencies to help the children with, textbooks and stationery.

Ayesha, 9, who has learned reading and writing, commended the association for providing her education.

“I have learnt reading and writing, as well as the first chapter of the Holy Quran. I’m happy attending classes daily with my classmates,” she said.

Pajhwok tried to get the opinion of the Education Department about the initiative, but did not succeed.

sa/mud

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