Private Schools Open In Afghanistan

Parents' welcoming of private schools is seen by many Afghans as a further sign of growing stability and optimism for a better future.

Maftah is the first private school in Afghanistan's northern Parwan Province. But its history is brief, having opened its doors only two months ago.

Enrollment fees, at $15 per month, are beyond the reach of most Afghans, but the presence of 300 children at the school shows that a number of families have decided it is worth the price.

The school claims it can offer better teaching facilities, and more qualified teachers than public schools.

And Samiullah, a 10-year-old student who attended a public school before enrolling in Maftah, says he notices the difference.

"Our teachers work hard with us. They are very strict," he says. "In public school, teachers don't try hard. My parents put me in private school so I could learn more."

Since the authorities opened the way for private investment into Afghanistan's education system nearly two years ago, more than 300 private schools have opened from Kabul to remote provinces.

Success Story

And not all parents who have enrolled their children at Maftah are wealthy.

Parwan resident Hajji Rahmatullah says he saved money and took up extra work to cover the costs of his son's private education. He views it as an investment in his son's future.

"A month ago, I brought my son to private school, and I can already see during that one month that my son's schoolwork has improved," Rahmatullah says.

The emergence of private schools, the majority of which are secular, and parents' eager interest in educating their children is seen by many as a sign of growing stability and optimism for the future.

Only eight years ago there wasn't a single secular school in Afghanistan, and those who were able to receive an education attended religious schools. All the students -- less than half a million per year -- were boys, since girls were completely banned from schools by the hard-line Taliban regime.

This academic year, more than 7 million children are attending Afghanistan's nearly 9,000 schools -- both private and public, with both systems boasting that girls make up 35-40 percent of their enrollment.

The revival of Afghanistan's education system, especially girls' return to schools, is considered one of the biggest achievements of the Afghan government that came to power after the defeat of the Taliban in 2001.

Violent Opposition

However, success has come at a dear cost. In volatile southern and eastern areas, militants have set fire to schools and have attacked teachers and students as soft targets.

More than 60 schools have been burned down in the past year, and some 650 more have been closed down due to the lack of security.

In a shocking example of the extreme lengths those opposed to girls' education will take, two attackers sprayed acid on the faces of several female students in southern Kandahar last year, causing severe burns to their faces and arms.

By Farangis Najibullah
http://www.rferl.org/content/Afghan_Private_Schools_Seen_As_Sign_Of_Hope_Optimism/1624801.html
Copyright (c) 2008. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.