Daikundi’s Koh Bala children walk hours to reach school

NEILI (Pajhwok): Residents of Sangi Takht district in central Daikundi province say there is no school in Koh Bala area of the district and a large number of children are deprived of education.

Rohullah Musawi, one of the residents of Koh Bala area, told Pajhwok Afghan News that about 40 families lived in the area where no school existed and only a few boys went to a school in a neighboring district.

“There is no school or education center in our area. The nearest school is Istiqlal school, which is four hours walking distance, our children cannot go there,” he added.

He said children going to the Istiqlal school had to cross the mountain and a pass on foot and it was not easy.

He emphasized that the economic situation of local people was weak and they could not afford to rent vehicle for their children to go to the school.

He said more than 70 children of school age in their area were deprived of education to the lack of school.

Khalil Bayanizada, another resident of the area, told Pajhwok no girl went to school due to the long distance and only one girl graduated from a high school in their area last year.

“Our people are deprived of many services. Our girls cannot walk to school because of the remoteness. Only one girl with support of her family graduated from grade 12 last year.”

He added there were deserts, rocks and mountains on the way to the school and small boys and girls could not go there.

He said they had long been demanding a school in their area, but their calls always fell on deaf ears.

Mustafa, who goes to Istiqlal school, said:”For last several years, we have been going to Istiqlal School despite many problems. The school is far away, we get tired reaching there and we cannot go to the school more than two or three days in a week.”

He added there was no school in their district and he studied outside the district until 10th grade and he did not know if he would continue his education beyond that grade.

Officials of the Department of Education in Daikundi also acknowledged the problem in Koh Bala area.

Mufti Rahmatullah Mudassir, the department head, said children of Koh Bala area were deprived of education due to indifference of the previous government. He added at least one school would be established in the area next year.

Nik Mohammad Akhli, a civil society activist in Daikundi, said education was one of the most important necessities in human life.

According to him, education provides foundation for a better life and human beings need education to reach the highest levels of perfection.

He emphasized that education was imperative for the development of the country and to achieve security and peace.

Haji Khodadad, a resident of Daikundi, said education was mandatory for every man and woman.

He added everyone should strive to seek knowledge and contribute to the progress of the country.

sa/ma