Support for the training center in the mosque of Qalacha

The activities of the German aid organization OFARIN prove that organisations with a relatively small budget can achieve effective and sustaining contributions towards the reconstruction of Afghanistan through persistent and outstanding personal commitment by its members.

Enlarge image Girls and Boys learning in Qalacha Mosque (© OFARIN) Dr. Peter Schwittek has worked as a mathematics lecturer at Kabul University in the seventies and kept in touch with his former host country ever since. From 1998 onwards he has volunteered for the German Caritas Association in Kabul and along with his wife Annemarie founded OFARIN in 2001 with the aim of supporting elementary school teaching in mosques and private homes. Thanks to the staff continuity and many years of professional experience OFARIN presently provides education and training for more than 5000 students.

Enlarge image Chargé d’Affaires Dr. Thomas Zahneisen and OFARIN’s local representative Eng. Abdullah on signing a project agreement (© German Embassy/Paaksimaa) OFARIN's classes at the mosque in poor Kabul district Qalacha are attended by 500 children daily. The Imam and the Qari of the mosque are very committed to this training programme as public education facilities are very in adequate in the area. Last year the community of Qalacha approached OFARIN for support in the up-grading of the mosque and construction of an upper-floor. The German Embassy was able to support the works with an amount of 32.400 US$ while OFARIN contributed around 25.000 US$.

Upon completion of the construction project the facilities of the education center have improved significantly and a much larger number of students attend classes.

Enlarge image An Afghan pupil (© OFARIN) The education center is being widely accepted by the local population and as of recently started employing female teachers. The successful project implementation has had a positive impact on community life. Through the joint planning of the project and input of unpaid labour by community members the previously fractious neighbourhood gained in greater unity and solidarity. People on the streets are frequently expressing their gratitude to OFARIN.

Due to the success of the project the German Embassy decided to extend further help from its micro-project scheme to the construction of much-needed sanitary facilities this year.

Last updated 24.05.2012