Approximately 75 per cent of schools were damaged during the three decades of conflict in Afghanistan. Only 48 per cent of schools have adequate water and sanitation facilities.  Since 2002, 1,753 schools have been rehabilitated or constructed, yet it is estimated that 5,574 schools still need to be built over the next three years.  (UNICEF, Afghanistan Education Fact Sheet)

By the end of 2001, 80 percent of existing schools were either severely damaged or destroyed as a result of foreign occupation, civil war, and political efforts to limit education to the general population.  After two plus decades of warfare, the Ministry of Education lacks the financial resources to be able to implement and carry out its vision.

The Rural Schools Construction Project proposes to raise funds to help rural partners with their construction of a community school. 

Afghanistan has one of the highest illiteracy rates in the world.  In rural areas, where three-fourths of all Afghans live, 90% of the women and 63% of the men are illiterate.   Many rural communities lack any structural school facility, and hold classes under tents, makeshift structures, or out in the open.  Most school buildings are in poor condition and schools lack furniture and equipment. 

Omar Ghaznawi, a student at Carnegie Mellon University, initiated the Rural Schools Construction Project in partnership with ARO in 2006.  He plans to raise funds through special events, donation appeals, and private donations to fund the construction of a rural school.  Once sufficient funds are raised, ARO will assist Omar in working with the Ministry of Education.

Private donations and assistance is welcome for this project.  Donations designated for the Rural Schools Construction Project may be sent to:

Afghanistan Relief Organization
Rural Schools Construction Project
P.O. Box 866
Cypress, CA 90630

For more information about this project, please contact ARO at info@afghanrelief.org