KABUL (PAN): Improving the quality of education in Afghanistan is a priority. Joining the many other projects of coalition forces, Operation First Bell is aimed to support institutions responsible for educational development in the area of Ghazni Province. The Polish Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) and Group Civil-Military Cooperation Support started the operation.   

The projects implemented during the operation included delivery to the Department of Education of equipment for six schools.  Equipment included: students tables, chairs, black and white boards, stationary, maps, globes, notebooks, and other items.

Along with the six schools, there are plans to construct a new facility for the recently established Ghazni University. Currently, 250 students study in the library. Ahmad Shah Rafiqi, the university rector emphasized the need for assistance.

Our plans are to increase the number of students in the coming academic year, which begins in March, to 500 people, said Rafiqi. Additionally, we want to establish a new faculty for agriculture and technical science.

Approaching those needs, the Polish PRT, provided more than 250 books to help the sturdents learn English.

We hope these books assist students in learning English faster and more proficiently, said Szymon Olechnowicz, Polish PRT culture subject matter expert, who is temporarily responsible for educational issues.

Recently we have received computers, office equipment, desks and chairs, and educational books for agriculture and technical science, said Rafiqi. Thanks to this new donation we can be more proficient in our teaching of the English language.

Members of PRT stated that this was not the last visit to the university. There are more projects planned for Operation First Bell. This was only the start of improvements for education in the whole province.

Pr/ajr