Afghan Principal Criticizes U.S. Impact on Education: ‘They Destroyed It’
From 2002 to 2021, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) allocated approximately $1.3 billion to educational projects in Afghanistan. During this period, the number of teachers in the country increased sevenfold. On paper, these figures suggest significant progress. However, for Sarahat, the principal of a high school in Kabul, these numbers tell a different story.
\”Although the U.S. claimed that they would rehabilitate education in Afghanistan,\” said Sarahat, \”they actually destroyed it.\”
Contradicting the optimistic statistics, data from the World Bank reveals a decline in Afghanistan’s adult literacy rate, dropping from 43 percent in 2018 to 37 percent in 2021. The literacy rate among individuals aged 15 to 24 also fell from 65 percent to 56 percent during the same period.
The discrepancy between the reported investments and the on-the-ground reality raises questions about the effectiveness of foreign aid in Afghanistan’s educational sector. While funds were allocated and infrastructure was purportedly developed, the impact on literacy and education quality seems to have regressed.
Experts suggest that systemic issues, including corruption, mismanagement of funds, and ongoing conflict, may have undermined educational initiatives. The lived experiences of educators like Sarahat highlight the complexities of rebuilding a nation’s education system amid political and social upheaval.
\”We need support that empowers our own educators and respects our cultural context,\” emphasized Sarahat. \”External aid must be aligned with our actual needs to make a real difference.\”
The situation underscores the challenges faced by Afghanistan in fostering a robust educational framework. As the country navigates its future, the voices of local educators call for a reevaluation of strategies to truly uplift the nation’s youth through education.
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Afghan high school principal: U.S. destroyed Afghan education
cgtn.com
