US, Qatar to improve Afghans’ access to education

KABUL (Pajhwok): US and Qatar aid agencies have formalised a partnership aimed at enhancing access to education for Afghan children and youth.

The Education Above All (EAA) Foundation, in collaboration with USAID, signed a landmark agreement at the Doha Forum on Sunday.

The agreement, supporting both primary and higher education initiatives in Afghanistan, highlights a shared commitment to education as a fundamental right.

Gulf News reported the agreement particularly focussed on marginalised and at-risk communities.

The partnership will mobilise a combined $50 million in funding, equally contributed by USAID and the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD), to enroll over 100,000 out-of-school children and provide nearly 2,000 post-secondary scholarships.

Additionally, the partnership seeks to improve retention rates, ensure high-quality education pathways for Afghan youth and engage in cooperative research to strengthen the education sector.

Mohammed al-Kubaisi, acting CEO of EAA Foundation, said: "By working together, we can break down barriers to quality education, empower communities and contribute to a brighter, more sustainable future."

USAID Mission Director for Afghanistan Joel Sandefur underscored the focus on women's and girls' education, saying: "This partnership unites like-minded partners committed to building a brighter, more prosperous future for all Afghans."

sa/mud