Project Report
| Oct 9, 2017
Books for Afghan Girls School
By Ginna Brelsford | Executive Director
Thank you for your gif. Your contribution is changing lives.
Please consider the story of Shekeri:
"Our school had innumerable problems and every term we faced hardship. We didn’t have chairs, books or even a proper classroom. We were studying in small classrooms that had been destroyed with time and the war, which impeded our ability to learn. When it rained, our classroom would fill with water and so we could no longer study and were forced to leave. We would frequently fall ill. We could only resume our lessons when it was sunny out. We were constantly facing problems and now we so happy that Sahar has come to help. Equipped with chairs and abundant books our ability to study has vastly improved."
Shekeri's story sheds light on the challenges that face Afghan girls as they pursue an education. However, the story also shows the deep passion that Afghan girls hold for their own advancement. Thank you for supporting their passion and thank you for your kind donation to this project.
Afghanistan has a female literacy rate just shy of 25% (Source: CIA Factbookhttps://www.cia.gov/library/publications/theworld-factbook/geos/af.html). That means that three out of four Afghan girls above the age of 15 cannot read and write.
"In addition to the severity of the issue, literacy rates are marked by large geographical variation and gender disparities. While urban areas and regions of relative economic security can expect a literacy rate of over 30%, the more remote and insecure areas have levels of literacy closer to 15%. Equally, stark variations in the gender parity are evident across the country. Areas characterised as having high male literacy and extremely low female literacy reflect the generally more conservative culture in those provinces." (Afghanistan National Education for All (EFA) 2015 Report)
Books are a significant step in that direction. They open a door to a new world for students - opening up their minds and encouraging critical thinking. In Afghanistan, teachers are stretched thin and not always fully educated themselves, students don't often get the opportunity to travel outside their city or province, and access to the internet is limited at best. The books that you've provided for these girls are invaluable.
Thank you again for your generosity and contribution. It is making a huge impact on many Afghan girls' lives!