AFSC - Afghanistan

Program Background

Boys class
Photo: Doug Hostetter

While the needs in Afghanistan are tremendous, the AFSC has identified the educational system as the area where its resources could be put to best use. AFSC has long promoted the value of education. Learning helps people of all ages realize their potential as productive, loving human beings. In Afghanistan, AFSC continues its commitment to education with:

Construction and repair of primary and secondary schools for girls and boys.
By some estimates, nearly 80 percent of the schools in Afghanistan have been destroyed or need significant repairs. And girls’ education has been virtually ignored. In response, AFSC is financing the rebuilding or refurbishing of several schools and moving forward with initiatives to improve girls’ education.
Literacy programs for women. Literacy training, especially for war widows who now head households, is critical for the future of Afghanistan. AFSC’s literacy program includes vocational training so that the women also learn a trade such as tailoring. Successful graduates are awarded a sewing machine and other tools needed to continue their new skills.

Photo: Doug Hostetter

Photo: Doug Hostetter
Providing playground equipment. Play is an important part of education for children as they learn to interact, cooperate, and enjoy each other's company—especially in a country such as war-torn Afghanistan. AFSC is installing jungle gyms, seesaws, merry-go-rounds, swings and a slide in elementary schools. The equipment is locally manufactured and thus gives a boost to the Afghan economy.