Girls' school opens in Panjshir

  • Published
  • By Capt. Stacie N. Shafran
  • Panjshir PRT Public Affairs
PANJSHIR PROVINCE, Afghanistan (AFNS) --  Local Afghans, Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Greg Mortenson, an author, and members of the Panjshir Provincial Reconstruction Team, attended the grand opening ceremony of the province's newest girls' school, July 15.
 
Mr. Mortenson, who wrote the book "Three Cups of Tea," coordinated the building of the six-classroom Peshgur School for Girls, in Khenj district, as part of his overall plan to promote and support community-based education, especially for girls, in remote regions of Pakistan and Afghanistan. 

During the ceremony, Admiral Mullen addressed the large crowd of children, village elders and provincial leaders, to include Panjshir's Governor, Haji Bahlol, and the provincial director of education. 

"The focus of today is opening a school for our children, and our future together depends very much on our children's education," he said. 

The chairman also said he brought good wishes from the American people with him and expressed gratitude to those who built the new school, which can accommodate 400 students. He commended Mr. Mortenson, calling him a good example for all to follow. 

Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the school's entrance, the chairman distributed new notebooks to two classrooms of girls. 

Lima, a twelfth grader at a Kabul high school run by Mr. Mortenson, also attended the ceremony. As her school's top student, she was allowed to travel to Panjshir with her brother to attend the opening ceremony. She also translated the chairman's speech during the ceremony from English into Dari. 

Throughout the morning, the 16-year old also spoke with many of the young girls, explaining the hard work and determination she's applied toward her education. 

"We must make our own decisions," said Lima. "Nothing is easy. My decision is to study and make a future for myself."
 
The fluent Dari, Pashto, English and Urdu speaker is currently preparing for her college entrance exams, and plans to study medicine at Kabul University. Although Lima's father is unemployed and her mother is a homemaker, she said it's because of their support and Mr. Mortenson's vision that helped her get to where she is today. 

"The effects of Greg Mortensen's work, as well as the work of the Panjshir PRT will not be seen overnight, however, their combined efforts will prove enduring for generations to come," said Army Capt. Chris Mercado, the PRT's operations officer. 

Captain Mercado also added that education is but one area of focus in a larger effort to connect the people of Afghanistan to essential services, governance and security. 

The Panjshir PRT, in coordination with the Panjshir director of education, is facilitating 12 education projects, worth $2.8 million, throughout the province, including nine schools, two dormitories and one multi-purpose building which will be used as a library and a laboratory.