Have you ever considered the return an investment of $106 could bring? The amount is so meager; it probably never crosses our minds to invest with a three-digit figure that many of us could easily spend in one day on frivolous things. Since many of us want investments to multiply the principle amounts, better our lives and secure our futures, we invest with more substantial amounts. However, in poverty-ridden countries like Afghanistan, even one dollar goes a long way — just imagine how $106 can be used to change a person’s life by investing in their education.
Presbyterian World Service and Development, in partnership with Church World Service — Pakistan/Afghanistan, recognizes the need for investing in the education of children, especially girls. Through the generous support of Canadian congregations, 1,352 girls were enrolled in primary schools last year, and the quality of education was improved through teacher training and encouraging community involvement. We anticipate these initiatives will have a multiplication effect as teachers are equipped with skills and knowledge to improve the quality of education for years to come. With a long-term vision of promoting girls’ education, CWS-P/A and PWS&D anticipate returns that can provide hope for a better future for Afghan people.
Afghanistan has some of the worst socio-economic indicators in the world, especially for women. Due to a lack of basic awareness on prevention and a shortage of female doctors and health workers, the country has the highest rate of infant and maternal mortality worldwide. Official sources indicate that 37 children die every hour and one woman dies during childbirth every 30 minutes. For a country that has suffered from war for over three decades, girls’ education has suffered the most. Only 14 per cent of women over the age of 15 are literate amongst a population of almost 30 million, and 86 per cent of primary school girls are currently not attending school. Afghanistan’s development depends upon reversing these trends, and education is one of the key elements to improving the quality of life and fulfilling the hopes of Afghan people.
The outcome of educating girls has far-reaching effects — the old saying of “educate a girl and you educate a family” still holds a lot of truth. In Afghanistan, women play a crucial role in nurturing their families, either with siblings during childhood or as mothers. An educated woman is more likely to ensure her children receive an education and encourage others in her community to do the same. She will make more informed choices, and can more effectively support her family both economically and psychologically. Women need to be given opportunities to contribute towards Afghanistan’s development in politics, policy formation, health, education and beyond.
In Laghman Province where the girls’ education project is carried out, we come across many girls with hopes and dreams of contributing towards a better future for themselves and their country. Sentiments expressed by a student mirror the aspiration of thousands of girls across Afghanistan: “It is the best tool I have to not just secure my future but also to serve my country,” says Ayesha. However, for girls like Ayesha, going to school is a privilege, not a right as it should be, as they face countless risks and challenges such as insecurity, poverty, cultural constraints, a shortage of female teachers and a lack of schools and facilities for girls, such as clean drinking water and toilets.
Girls fortunate enough to attend school are often forced to drop out by the fifth grade. Farzana met this fate because her family could not afford her textbooks, stationary and uniform. Fortunately, CWS-P/A and PWS&D helped her return to the classroom by providing her with free textbooks and school supplies. Farzana is very keen to continue her studies; however, her enrollment is largely dependent on external support.
PWS&D has launched the Afghanistan Challenge to provide 1,800 girls with quality education in 2010-2011. We have the opportunity to help girls reach for their dreams and ensure their basic right to education is met. A gift of $106 is all it takes to send a girl to school for one year.
For more information on this program or to make a donation, call PWS&D at 1-800-619-7301 ext. 291 or visit www.presbyterian.ca/pwsd.
