A Voice For the Voiceless

MISSION

The Advocacy Project seeks to help community-based advocates produce, disseminate and use information, and so become more effective advocates for human rights and social justice

Seeking Funds for School Construction

Press Release

Oruj Learning Center
Post Office Lane, Across from Ministry of Higher Education
Kabul, Afghanistan
Contact: Sadiqa Basiri
Email: sadiqa_basiri@yahoo.com
Tel: 001 (93) 799 189 911

Construction of Much Needed Girls Schools in Wardak Province, Afghanistan

KABUL, June 30, 2006. 

OLC is currently seeking for funds to build permanent structures for Noor Khel and Godah girls schools in Wardak province.  These communities’ girls’ schools were burned down September, 18 2005, the night before the parliamentary elections and since then, classes have been taking place in the open air.  If enough funding can be obtained, Oruj hopes to begin the construction of these two structures by the spring of 2007.  Upon completion, Oruj’s schools will serve multiple functions and address many challenges and risks faced by the educational sector in Afghanistan.

The communities of Wardak province—a region where few, if any, NGOs are currently focusing their efforts—desperately need these facilities.  Permanent buildings for Noor Khel and Godah schools are crucial in providing students with a safe and stable education; these structures will also offer the students protection from the sun, wind, and other elements while they are in school.  As an additional benefit, the buildings’ locations will accommodate a variety of other programs to meet community needs, such as shuras (town meeting), boys’ schools (at a different time of the day), adult literacy trainings, and other festivities and gathering as needed. 

Although 6.5 million children are enrolled in primary schools throughout Afghanistan and millions of dollars of aid have been earmarked for reconstructing the nation’s educational infrastructure, there has been little to no disbursement of funds.  It is also clear that girls’ education is still viewed with some suspicion a traditional Islamic society like Afghanistan.  Therefore, Oruj Learning Center (OLC), as an local nonprofit organization, has an important role to play in convincing Afghans that primary education for all children is compatible with the teachings of Islam and is worth the investment.  If you are interested in learning more or want to know how you can help, please contact Oruj representative, Ms. Sadiqa Basiri by email or + 001 (93) 799 189 911.