GARDIZ - In rural areas where cultural constraints and poor security prevent girls from enrolling in schools, the Ministry of Education is working with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), community elders and religious scholars to create grassroots alternatives.

In community-based schools (CBS) students are taught by educated neighbours in private homes or mosques. If no one within the community is identified, educated local religious leaders are employed as teachers.

“In a conservative society like Paktika, religious figures like Mullahs and other community elders play a crucial role in mobilizing the community and encouraging people to establish community-based schools in their district,” said Zarghoon Shah, an elder from Yahya Khail district in the province.

More than 5,400 children attended classes in 180 community based schools in Paktika province since 2005, according to Ihsanullah Nashir, provincial Director of Education.

Of these students, approximately 1,025 students have been absorbed this year into the government’s formal education system.

Universal education is one of the poverty fighting Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) that President Karzai and nearly all other world leaders agreed to meet in coming years.

As part of its support for Afghanistan efforts to meet the MDGs, UNICEF has provided support in all 15 districts through teacher training and salaries, provision of learning materials and classroom construction.

In addition, 35 literacy schools for girls only have been established empowering thousands of women, said Abdul Khalil, UNICEF regional office head.

In addition to UNICEF, the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has been supporting 2,250 students in 45 literacy programmes in the province.

Despite the progress made in the province, a lack of staff and resources, and the insecurity remain challenges to regular education in all districts.

At least three districts - Warmamai, Naka and Tarwa – are without access to government or community based schools, according to residents.

By UNAMA Gardez