200 deaf students drop out due to lack of transport facility

JALALABAD (Pajhwok): Nearly 200 deaf students in eastern Nangarhar province have stopped going to school due to lack of the transport facility.

Samiullah Maftoon, head of the special school for the deaf, told Pajhwok Afghan News that the 200 dropouts included 60 girls.

He said 18 blind and around 150 deaf students left the school due to lack of the transport facility.

Maftoon complained: “This school was also ignored by the previous government. Currently, the huge problem of this school is the absence of the transport facility. Many students cannot come to school because of the problem.”

Bibi Sabar Jana, the grandmother of a student, told Pajhwok she took her granddaughter to school daily. “I have no other option. I cannot afford to find transport for her.”

Shah Nasir, a student of the 4^th grade, said in sign language that he had learnt a lot at this school. I hope to get a job after doing graduation.”

Torpakai, 13, another student, also called the absence of transport and the lack of a proper building were among the main problems facing the schools.

Eng. Fazal Rabi Nusrat, head of the professional and technical education department, acknowledged the problem. He said he had been in talks with several international organisations on support for the school.

“We had a coaster donated by an organisation. The fuel cost and the driver’s’ salary was paid with funds for students’ food. But the vehicle has developed a fault and the transport facility can no longer be provided.”

sa/mud

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