ISAF Joint Command - Afghanistan
2010-11-SD-133 For Immediate Release

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KABUL, Afghanistan (Nov. 10, 2010) — A shura was held in Paind Kalay recently, focussing on bringing education to children in all communities across Nahr-e Saraj district, Helmand province.

The Spin Masjid School building project, set for completion in two months, was the focus of the meeting, which attracted a delegation of education officials, as well as members of the public.

The meeting was held at the local Afghan National Police station and was attended by approximately 100 people.

“We must get our children back to school. At last we have an opportunity here. If we stand together we can have a better future for ourselves,” said Lal Mohammed Bawar, provincial education minister for Lashkar Gah.

 The chairman of the Gereshk Community Council said the school needs to be built in order to get children out of the fields and in the classrooms.

 “We must get this temporary school up and running, we must find teachers and get the children out of the fields. Children should carry pens, not shovels. The reason why we are in such a bad way is due to poor or no education,” said Haji Balul Khan.

 The education minister, echoed those thoughts.

 “Our children shouldn’t be in the fields with their hands on the shovels, they should be in school with their hands on the pens. For thirty years we have not had that opportunity. Now ISAF and all the people that are here at the moment are here to help us and we should stand together and grasp that,” Bawar said.

Until the school project can be completed, Lt. Mohammed Wali, local police commander, agreed to provide security for a temporary teaching facility at the ANP station.

Land will be levelled this week to facilitate the tents that will make up this facility.