Start up of the Afghanistan Project
The foundation for the school in Akakhel (Kunduz province) has been laid
10.05.2005 |Sascha Gabizon
Report on the Afghanistan Project (TMF) – building a school for Akahel
The construction of the new school in Akahel in Kunduz province, Afghanistan has begun and is well on its way. The project is a joint undertaking of Katachel and WECF and receives support from the local government and the German and Dutch military. The project is financed by the TMF programme of the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs. WECF will also contribute it's experience on developing eco-sanitation toilets for the school.
This is the first school to be build in the area and it will be an important development for the two village from which the students will come. The villages, Akakhel and Shun Shur Dan, will be sending 600 boys and 300 girls to the school. Few of them can read or write. The school ground cover 15 000 sqm providing enough space for sport and other outdoor activities. The villages belong to different tribes, Pushtuns and Hazara, which requires some carefull diplomacy to get such as combined project on the move. At the same time a common school will help reduce tensions and provide a co-operative environment.
On 28 March, the building`s founding stone was laid with much jubilation and with the attendance of Sybille Schnehage from Katachel, Major Hutman from the Dutch military, Luitenant-Colonel König from Germany, the education minister from Kunduz Faruk and the representative from the German government ministery BMZ Mr Faehnel.
The students will take part in the construction of the school to create a feeling of ownership. It is also expected that the school attendance will increase as children and teenages from outlying settlements will come to the Akahel school.
The representative from the local governments have confirmed that the school is seen as a very important project for the region and they are very proud of it and full of positive expectation for coming prospects. Education is the first step towards poverty reduction and development for this region.
