BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan (Mar. 14, 2015) -- An educational shura, the Afghan word for "important meeting or consultation," was held today between Task Force Solid and Afghan educators, to include representatives from the Ministry of Education in Parwan Province. They gathered to discuss ideas on how to improve education and security in Parwan, including plans for an upcoming math competition that will involve up to 2,400 male and female high school seniors from the Charikar and Bagram districts.
"Over the last month or so, as I've gone around and talked with all of the leaders in this part of Parwan, every single one of them has told me that they recognize the importance of educating the youth in Afghanistan," Task Force Solid Commander, Lt. Col. Zachary Miller said. "Education is the number one way to build a future for Afghanistan and for Parwan; education is the key to giving all young people the opportunity to make something of themselves."
The math competition will involve up to 60 high schools in Parwan Province. All high school seniors will take a standardized math test and the top three students from each high school will receive text books to support their studies at a local university -- an expense that is burdensome for most.
"The key to a successful Afghan future is the people themselves," Miller said. "And you [educators] play a huge role in making sure that as young people become adults, they are working to make Afghanistan a great country."
According to Maj. Steve Beard, executive officer of TF Solid, the primary intent of the competition is to promote education.
"It is important to the long-term security and economic development of Afghanistan," Beard said. "The competition also serves as a venue for positive interaction between local youth and Coalition Forces. We were extremely pleased to have five representatives from the Ministry of Education and 49 high school principals attend the event today."
Haji Zalmi, director of education for Parwan Province, sat alongside Miller and talked about his concerns regarding education and security.
"It's a good thing to have meetings like this and discussions about education," Zalmi said. "This is a good thing for us. It's good to have discussions, talk about it, and talk about what we can do to maintain security. We can then talk to the teachers and talk to the locals and find out what problems they have and what we can do to get our mission done here. We are thankful for all of your support."
Social Sharing