School opens in Afghan district, first in 15 years
ISAF: KABUL, Afghanistan – Nearly 20 children attended their first day of classes Jan. 26 at a newly-opened school in Ma‘ruf District, Kandahar province, Afghanistan.
There have been no schools in Ma‘ruf for many years, said the school's teacher, who asked for his name to be withheld.
"Ma‘ruf is a very distant and ancient place," he said. "I was told growing up that there was once a very distinguished place of learning here, many years ago. I can tell you for sure that there have been no schools since the Taliban closed them nearly 15 years ago."
Many of Ma‘ruf's children have gone to Pakistan for an education and never returned, Police Chief Nader Khan said.
"The people of Ma‘ruf are very poor, and establishing a school would be a good step in helping Ma‘ruf get a better future," said Col. Anwar, commander of the Afghan Border Police's 2nd Kandak operating in Ma‘ruf District.
There is a saying about education which is common in Afghanistan, both the teacher and Anwar said.
"The difference between an educated man and an uneducated man is like the difference between a man who is blind and a man who has vision," the teacher said.
"The educated man can see everything that is going on in his country," Anwar explained. "He can see the Afghan and the coalition forces, whereas someone who is blind will see nothing."
"I am very happy and I am proud today," said Abdul Samat Durrani, the Ma‘ruf district governor. "We have been working very long to open our first school here, and today there were many young children who arrived.
"This is a very big help to the people of Ma‘ruf," he added, "and I will never forget this event."
On hand at the school’s opening were U.S. forces from Special Operations Task Force – South, who are partnered with area security forces.
"The people of Ma‘ruf are very poor, and establishing a school would be a good step in helping Ma‘ruf get a better future," said Col. Anwar, commander of the Afghan Border Police's 2nd Kandak operating in Ma‘ruf District.
There is a saying about education which is common in Afghanistan, both the teacher and Anwar said.
"The difference between an educated man and an uneducated man is like the difference between a man who is blind and a man who has vision," the teacher said.
"The educated man can see everything that is going on in his country," Anwar explained. "He can see the Afghan and the coalition forces, whereas someone who is blind will see nothing."
"I am very happy and I am proud today," said Abdul Samat Durrani, the Ma‘ruf district governor. "We have been working very long to open our first school here, and today there were many young children who arrived.
"This is a very big help to the people of Ma‘ruf," he added, "and I will never forget this event."
On hand at the school’s opening were U.S. forces from Special Operations Task Force – South, who are partnered with area security forces.
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