EDUCATION

Afghanistan


Following the fall of the ‘Talibans’ the political situation remains extremely unstable despite numerous actions undertaken in order to stabilize the country at long term. The problems of security are still present. Despite all the difficulties and the extent of work, the reconstruction of the country is underway. About 6 million refugees are returning to the country thus generating numerous needs.

The Afghani educational system is experiencing a long period of rehabilitation and reconstruction. The war which was holding sway throughout the country for more than 30 years destroyed a major part of infrastructure causing the exodus of many teachers and qualified executives which emigrated from the country.

Total population : 21 million
Illiteracy rate : 63.7 million
Total expenditures for education (in % of GNP) : 2 % (1980)
Pupil/teacher ratio : 58 (1994)
Situation of refugees : 6 million of refugees (Iran, Pakistan and other countries)

On going programmes and projects :
Project 1 : Programme of education and training of teachers for Afghani refugee children in Iran. The project is implemented by ACEM.
Project cost : US $ : 38 000
Source of financing :
Project 2 : Rehabilitation and providing of school equipment for Afghani refugee children returning to the country. Project implemented by ACEM.
Project cost : US $ : 80 000
Source of financing : Regular budget

Forthcoming programmes and projects :
Assistance and implementation of national reconstruction plan and Education for All (EFA)

Partnership and cooperation in the education :
UNESCO – ACEM – UNICEF – World Bank – Asian Development Bank


NewsAfghan Minister presents UNESCO with Report of the Afghan Independent High Commission on Education 2003-10-02 1:16 pm Flash Info n° 221, UNESCO
The Afghan Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Abdullah Abdullah, today presented the Director-General of UNESCO, Mr Koïchiro Matsuura, with the synopsis report and recommendations of his Government’s Independent High Commission on Education.
 NewsRéunion de l’équipe spéciale intersectorielle sur l’Afghanistan 2003-09-27 9:28 am Flash Info n° 208, UNESCO
Le Directeur général a réuni, le jeudi 25 septembre, l’équipe spéciale intersectorielle sur l’Afghanistan. Au cours de cette réunion, à laquelle participait le Directeur du Bureau de l’UNESCO à Kaboul, un point complet a été fait sur la situation sur le terrain et sur l’état d’avancement des activités de l’UNESCO dans les domaines de l’éducation, des sciences, de la culture et de la communication.
 NewsAfghan Refugee Education in Pakistan - A Summary 2003-04-15 10:20 am UNESCO
A number of Afghan refugee education activities have been implemented by the UNESCO Office, Islamabad, over the years, such as the development and production of teaching materials for pupils, teachers’ guides and teacher training materials, which have been made available to various international and local NGOs. Topics covered include, for example, peace education and environmental education. For teachers, innovative teaching methods have been given attention, and courses for teacher trainers about how to write for children. The materials have been made available in the two main Afghan languages of Pashto and Dari.
DocumentsUN Consolidated Inter-Agency Appeal for Afghanistan 2001
In Afghanistan, as elsewhere in developing countries, women endure massive under-development and poverty. They do gruelling labour, especially in the rural areas; they fetch water for hours on end, and they chop wood to keep their families warm. They cook--what little they have--they clean, they bear children, year in and year out. Due to limited access to hospitals and clinics, they watch one in four children die before the age of five.  
DocumentsUNESCO Education Reconstruction Programme for Afghanistan (Transitional support strategy 2002-2004)
UNESCO will focus on key aspects of capacity-building in the Ministry of Education, serving primary education as well as other sub-sectors of education, including departments concerned with planning and management, school buildings and infrastructure, pedagogy, curriculum and textbooks, and teacher training.  

ProjectsTeacher training in Kabul UNESCO Kabul Office
On going project.
 ProjectsRehabilitation and equipment of schools for refugee children returning home to Afghanistan UNESCO Kabul Office
Purchase of 833 three-seat benches for schools in Kabul. Digging of 29 wells and installing water pumps in 29 schools; two months training of 150 teachers in Kabul.
 ProjectsAlphabetisation of Afghan refugee children in Iran UNESCO Tehran
Training of 80 Afghan teachers and schooling of 1600 Afghan children in 80 classrooms.
Land Mine Awarenes Education in Afghanistan   (Go)
Materials developed by Organization for Mine clearance and Afghan Rehabilitation (OMAR).


UNESCO and Afghanistan   (Go)
UNESCO helps in reconstructing Afghanistan.

UNESCO Office in Islamabad Contribution to Afghanistan   (Go)
GAI Project – Education for Returnees


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