9-year-old Herat boy who speaks 8 languages seeks support

HERAT CITY (Pajhwok): A child in western Herat province says he has learned eight languages in the past two years without going to school. He asked the government to support him to continue his journey and achieve more success.

Mohammad Amiri, a resident of Shindand district, told Pajhwok Afghan News that he learned eight languages in two months through YouTube, without going to school or taking any training courses.

He could speak French, German, Turkish, Arabic, English, Urdu, Pashto, and Persian. “Additionally, I have special abilities in mathematics, and I ask the government to provide me with the opportunity to grow further”: he added.

Teachers at an educational center in Herat also confirm the nine-year-old’s abilities.

Mir Ahmad Ataei, the head of an educational center who took Mohammad’s exam yesterday, explained the child’s claim was true. He emphasized that such a level of education in Afghanistan was unprecedented and that such talents should be supported in a timely manner.

Nazir Ahmad Rahimi, a German language teacher, emphasized that such talents should not be allowed to leave the country because they were a source of pride for Afghanistan.

On the other hand, Hafizullah Amiri, Amiri’s father, said he became aware of his son’s talent about two years ago; after learning alphabets, he was able to quickly learn different languages.

He urged the government and people to provide all possible support to his son.

Governor Spokesman Mufti Mohammad Yousuf Saydi said the governor had met the child and the provincial government, while appreciating Mohammad’s talent, had promised to provide him with comprehensive educational and teaching support in the future.

hz/ma