Girls' High School in Afghanistan is First with Information Technology Kabul, Afghanistan, 2nd July, 2003 - Tajwar Sultana School, a girls' high school formerly on a frontline in Kabul, today became the first educational institution in the country with state-of-the-art computing facilities, including multimedia and internet access.
Focus Humanitarian Assistance (FOCUS), an affiliate of the Aga Khan Development Network, announced the completion of totally rehabilitated and refurbished school buildings, integrating a new library, new sports and recreational facilities and reconstructed pavements. The project was funded by the UK Department for International Development and supported by donations from various sources including the Rotary Club of Calgary East in Canada and the students of Col. Scott Elementary School in Calgary whose student body includes a number of children from Afghanistan.
"By giving trained educators in Afghanistan the resources through which their students can quickly access a breadth of knowledge, we hope to help the people of this country to open doors to the world," said Farid Daya, Programme Director.
Besides rehabilitating schools in Kabul and Baghlan Province, FOCUS has enabled the renovation and creation of library and other facilities at the University of Balkh in Mazar-e-Sharif. Together with agencies of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) that are helping to train teachers and nurses, FOCUS is contributing towards a better educated society in the nation re-emerging from over two decades of civil strife.
Active in Afghanistan since 1996, FOCUS initially provided food and other relief aid across the country, covering over 450,000 people during 2001. Since early 2002, it has accelerated its agricultural and infrastructure rehabilitation programme covering activities ranging from food security to building shelters for repatriates. The AKDN is involved in a number of long-term projects, including investment in key sectors of the economy such as telecommunications, urban redevelopment and tourism.
For more information:
Salim Sumar Farid Daya
Executive Officer Programme Director
Focus Humanitarian Assistance Focus Humanitarian Assistance
London, UK Kabul, Afghanistan
Telephone: +44 (0) 20 8645 6131
Fax: +44 (0) 20 8655 1649
E-mail: info@focushumanitarian-europe.org
E-mail: farid.daya@akdn-afg.org
Notes: About Focus Humanitarian Assistance (FOCUS)
FOCUS is an international emergency response agency that provides relief and support services during and following natural and man-made disasters, primarily in Asia and Africa. FOCUS helps people in need reduce their dependence on humanitarian aid and facilitates their transition to sustainable self-reliance.