Lighting Up Education: UNICEF Builds 165 Schools in Afghanistan
UNICEF Constructs Schools Equipped with Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Services in Afghanistan
With solar power systems, functional restrooms, and clean water, these schools become beacons of hope for thousands of children.
In the heart of Nazyan district, Afghanistan, the snow-capped Spin Ghar Range overlooks a group of smiling girls making their way to their new school in the sun-kissed valley. The area, on the border of Pakistan, is home to Soroubi Girls' School - a school that now operates in two shifts, with the mornings dedicated to educating the girls and the afternoons for the boys.
A Sanctuary of Knowledge for Afghan Children
Meet Asya, a vivacious fifth-grader, always eager to learn. "My school," she grins, "is a whole new world! We used to study under tents or trees, but now we've got classrooms, chalkboards, washrooms, and a playground." Indeed, the improved learning environment at Soroubi feels like a sanctuary for Asya and her peers.
State-of-the-Art Facilities to Enhance Education
With the Government of Japan's support and in partnership with UNDP, UNICEF is constructing 165 schools across Afghanistan's Eastern, Southern, and Central regions, positively impacting over 33,000 children, half of whom are girls. Each school is equipped with cutting-edge solar power systems, ensuring classrooms are illuminated and powered. Separate latrine blocks and drilled water wells provide students with an ample supply of clean water and sanitation facilities, enabling them to stay focused on their education. High boundary walls ensure a safe and secure learning environment for everyone.
The Face of Afghanistan's Education Needs
Officially, up to 7 million children in Afghanistan are out of school due to financial difficulties and other constraints. Over 60% of these children are girls. More than half of all public schools in the country lack suitable classroom space, and nearly 60% of them lack drinking water and handwashing facilities. Furthermore, less than half the country's public schools have boundary walls, a key factor in maintaining girls' school attendance.
A Safe Haven for Learning
Teaching under the open sky often posed significant challenges, with heavy winds, storms, and harsh temperatures frequently disrupting learning. This all changed once the new school was built. "A conducive atmosphere drives learning," says Rubna, a 25-year-old teacher at Soroubi. "Now, we have state-of-the-art classrooms! We were constantly sending students back home when it rained, but now they've got a secure place to learn, play, and thrive."
WASH Facilities for Better Learning Outcomes
Every child deserves access to clean water and proper sanitation facilities to focus on their education without distractions. Shukria, a lively fifth-grader, smiles while washing her hands outside a well-equipped latrine block. "I was always worried about finding a bathroom when I was in class before," she says. "Now, with washrooms, our learning is uninterrupted." Each of the 165 schools now boasts modern latrines with handwashing facilities for students and teachers alike. Solar panels generate 7 kilowatts of electricity, powering the water pumps and illuminating the classrooms.
Brighter Futures in a Safer Environment
The transformation of Soroubi Girls' School, with over 900 students in attendance, marks the beginning of a favorable learning environment. By constructing 165 schools, UNICEF is ensuring that thousands of children gain access to education, experience improved participation, and receive a high-quality education. Students like Asya now have the chance to dream big, aspiring for a brighter future, in an environment safe and supportive of their goals.
Onward to a Brighter Future: Keep Supporting UNICEF's Work in Afghanistan!
The lives of the most vulnerable children across the globe are currently on the line. Conflicts and crises threaten to disrupt the essential care and protection they deserve. A consistent, unrestricted patronage is vital to the well-being of millions of children worldwide. Reach out to your representatives and urge them to maintain current U.S. commitment towards foreign aid. Every tax-deductible donation brings us one step closer to a brighter future for children in Afghanistan and around the globe.
Source: unicef.org
[1] UNICEF Syria Response & Recovery 2020-2029 If All Schools Are Equal, Why Do Boys' Schools Get Twice the Funding of Girls' Schools? (2017)
[2] UNICEF Afghanistan promotes teaching of information communication technologies in school curriculum (2016)
[3] Humanitarian Response Plan for Afghanistan 2023 (2023)
[4] UNICEF Launches 'E-Learning' Platform for Afghan Children During Crisis (2020)
[5] UNICEF Afghanistan Country Profile (2021)
- Due to the installation of solar panels in schools like Soroubi Girls' School in Nangarhar, children can safely attend school in the day, without the previous challenges posed by education under tents or trees.
- As a result of UNICEF's efforts, children like Asya and Shukria in Afghanistan no longer have to worry about finding clean water and proper sanitation facilities; now, they can focus on their education uninterrupted.
- The construction of 165 schools in Afghanistan by UNICEF provides at-risk children with a sheltered and supportive learning environment, ensuring their futures are not jeopardized by a lack of access to education and essential facilities like safe water, handwashing, and modern classrooms.
