Coalition forces distribute school supplies in Chamkani

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan—Coalition forces, in cooperation with local government officials, delivered school supplies and furnishings to the Chamkani girls’ school and a separate vocational school during an educational assistance mission in Paktya Province, Afghanistan, Sept. 6.

The supplies provided the 22 rooms of the girls’ school and eight rooms of the vocational school with rolls of carpeting, waste baskets, water buckets, dry-erase boards and markers, couches, tables, a phone for the teacher’s lounges and a total of 388 desks and chairs. In addition, the project included the distribution of 4,000 pens, 4,000 notebooks and 900 school bags for the students.

“We want to thank the Americans and all those involved who helped us,” said Hakim Gul, the principal of both the Chamkani High School and Chamkani Vocational School. “This donation is very important to the future of our school.”

Prior to the completion of this Commander’s Emergency Response Program project, the Coalition-constructed schools remained empty and largely unused. Without the proper school supplies and facilities, parents were unwilling to allow their daughters to attend the school. The girl’s school now educates more than 2,000 female students from across the district, and with the building equipped properly, students are now eager to return to school to attend classes.

The vocational school is intended to instruct local residents, namely the extremely poor or disabled, in trades that include tailoring, machining, and electrical work. The newly furnished building is now ready to receive instructors to begin teaching classes.

A Coalition representative remarked that the faculty and staff of both schools seemed pleased to receive the support from the local government and Coalition forces. They added that these individuals are dedicated to the tough task of educating the local populace and need all the support they can get.

“All teachers and students are especially grateful to the soldiers for the help they provide us, now our problems are few,” said Samin Akbari, principal of the Chamkani Girls School. I personally am very thankful for this generosity towards the children.”

Contact Information – CJTF-82 Public Affairs Office Tel – 0093-799-063-013

DSN: 318-431-7852

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