ROTA inaugurates 2 new schools in Afghanistan

Reach Out to Asia (ROTA) inaugurated two new community schools serving 344 primary and secondary students in Khost Province of eastern Afghanistan. With funding support from ROTA, on October 2011 CARE International in Afghanistan began implementing a three-year project that draws on its extensive experience and lessons learned in community-based education. The project is designed to establish and support Community Based Education (CBE) classes to assist the Government of Afghanistan in meeting the right to quality basic education for 3,154 children (54 percent girls) in respective grades (2,554 primary and 600 lower secondary). In particular, education services are being emphasized for returnees, IDPs and communities prone to conflict in three provinces of Afghanistan (Kapisa, Ghazni, and Khost), specifically in areas where government education facilities do not reach. Currently, the Mata Cheena Community School, located in Matun District, provides educational opportunities for 244 female students (44 secondary and 200 primary), while the Hassan Mohammad Community School in neighboring Mandozi district ensures educational opportunities for approximately 100 female students (33 secondary graders and 67 primary graders). \"Investment in education is the best defense against poverty and suffering in Afghanistan. In partnership with CARE International, we are committed to providing a comprehensive community based learning environment that sets high standards for its students while strengthening families\' abilities to be strong advocates for their children\'s education,\" expressed by ROTA Director Essa Al Mannai. The inauguration ceremonies for the Mata Cheena and Hassan Mohammad community schools were held on March 25 and 26 respectively, and were attended by community members, MoE District Education Officials, local authorities, CARE representatives, parents, teachers, and students enrolled in the schools. During the ceremonies, project stakeholders at all levels voiced the importance of community support in ensuring the long-term sustainability of the newly-built schools.