By Stephen Perlman | Director, U.S. Operations
While more Afghan children are attending school than ever before, literacy remains a critical problem. Up to 50% of school aged boys and almost 80% of girls are still unable to read and write. Without these skills, these children are doomed to a life of poverty (and especially for boys), more vulnerable to extremist elements as they grow older.
HTAC's "Read Afghanistan" program has helped thousands of Afghan children acquire and improve their reading skills. Our original, bilingual and illustrated books are not only improving reading levels among enrolled children by over 80%, they're also teaching and reinforcing positive values (like showing respect, taking personal responsibility for actions, helping others, and aspiring to a worthy vocation.
Earlier this year, students at Sorya Girls School, in Kabul (an HTAC-supported school), read and discussed one of these wonderful books - "A Rose for Leyla" which tells the inspiring story of an Afghan girl who dreams of one day becoming a doctor so she can help her village.
Students at the school not only shared the story with their families, but put on a mini-play to re-enact life-chaning scenes from the book. For many of these girls, Leyla became an inspiration to finish their education, acquire skills, and do something meaningful in their lives.
HTAC's "Read Afghanistan" program is funded totally by individual donations. By supporting this program, you are helping to change an Afghan child's life forever.
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