03.29.2011 Story by 1st Lt. Emily Chilson PAKTIKA PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Mohammad Aziz, Urgun District deputy director of education, distributed rule of law comic books to more than 250 children March 27 and 28.
Members of Paktika Provincial Reconstruction Team delivered the comic books to Aziz so he could give them to the students of Abu Herera School in Balish Kalay and Khullafai Rashedeen Primary School in Ali Haydar, Afghanistan, on their first day at school after winter break.
“We encourage our kids to go to school,” Aziz said. “There are 11 schools with boys and girls, and we are very proud of that.”
Fawzia, an 11-year-old student at Abu Herera School, reads a rule of law comic book March 27. (Photo by U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Ashley N. Avecilla, Paktika Provincial Reconstruction Team Public Affairs)
U.S. Army Capt. Mike Butler, Paktika PRT Urgun civil affairs officer from Chicago, works closely with Aziz to improve education in the district.
“The purpose of the six books in the [rule of law] comic series is to promote greater public awareness of constitutional issues, the rights of Afghan citizens, and legal reform in Afghanistan,” Butler explained.
After the education director and school teachers passed out school supplies and comic books, students took turns standing up and reading aloud from their new books.
Teachers at Abu Herera School pass out rule of law comic books to first graders March 27. Paktika Provincial Reconstruction Team spent time meeting with students and teachers on their first day at school following the winter break. Paktika PRT has dedicated its efforts to working alongside the government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan by supporting and advising key government leaders at the provincial and district levels. (Photo by U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Ashley N. Avecilla, Paktika Provincial Reconstruction Team Public Affairs)
Aziz led the small group of visitors and students in applause for each child when he or she finished reading.
“Aziz is very well known in the villages,” Butler said. “He is proactive and constantly seeks to expand education opportunities for children.”
While improving overall education in Urgun is of utmost importance to both Aziz and Butler, they are especially dedicated to improving education for girls.
“We want one female in each family to be educated,” Aziz explained. “Women look up to their mothers and will then want to learn too. We need your help; both our government and your government.”
Right now, Aziz and Butler are teaming to build schools where girls can continue their education beyond grade 6.
“We have the books and the students,” Butler said of the new girls’ school.”Now we just need the structure down here.”
Members of Paktika Provincial Reconstruction Team visit Khullafai Rashedeen School in Ali Haydar, Afghanistan, March 28. The PRT works continuously to support the reconstruction of Paktika Province by advising government officials at the provincial and district levels. (Photo by U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Ashley N. Avecilla, Paktika Provincial Reconstruction Team Public Affairs)
When a class of fifth and sixth grade girls finished reading, they told PRT members they wanted to grow up to be doctors, engineers and teachers. One student requested computers to learn more.
At the end of the school day, students walked home toting their new school supplies and flipping through the pages of their comic books.
“These books are written to be understood by the general populace including those who are literate,” Butler added. “The books have been very well received by shuras, educators, elders and students.”
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