Laying of foundation stone for a new primary school for girls

Enlarge image Laying of foundation stone for Zohra school for girls (© AA/Jahnke) In mid-May the foundation stone was laid for the new building of the state Zohra primary school for girls in Qazak Shakh in Qala e Zal district.

The ceremony had been lovingly prepared by the enthusiastic pupils and teachers and was attended by the village elders, many villagers as well as by the Head of the Education Department of the Provincial Government, the Chair of the Provincial Council and the Deputy District Governor. As representative of the Federal Foreign Office the Deputy Civilian Head of the Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) Kunduz, Moritz Jahnke, was present. The boys and girls bid the guests a warm welcome by waving Afghan flags and posters reading “Welcome to my school”.

The school in Qazak Shakh opened in 2006 and currently has 267 pupils in six grades, of which 120 are girls. Lessons are held either out in the open or under canvas awnings.

Germany is supporting the building of schools in Afghanistan

Enlarge image Afghan pupils (© AA/Jahnke) As early as 2010, the district authorities proposed to the provincial development council that a new school building be erected. The proposal was passed but could not be implemented due to a lack of funding.

The Federal Foreign Office together with the organization “Lachen Helfen e. V.” soon decided to finance the project.

The organization is an initiative by German soldiers and police officers to help children in war and crisis zones. The project is being implemented by the Afghan authorities. The focus is on the development priorities cited by the local population and administration.

More space for learning

Enlarge image Lessons in the open air and in tents (© AA/Jahnke) The new building is to meet the school’s urgent need for sufficient infrastructure. The plan is to teach both boys and girls initially in the new school. In the medium term, a separate school for boys is to be built. The new building, which is thus being built as a school for girls, is due to be completed before the end of the year.

The aim of the project is to continue to promote the good cooperation between the Afghan government and security organs with the population and thus consolidate stability in the northern part of Qala e Zal district.

Last updated 21.05.2012