UN-Habitat Begins Reconstruction of Earthquake-Damaged School in Herat

The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) has announced the start of reconstruction efforts for ‘Laklak Khana’ school in Rabat Sangi district of Herat province, Afghanistan. The school was destroyed during a powerful earthquake two years ago and is now set to reopen its doors to over 400 students once rebuilt.

In a statement released on Thursday, December 10, UN-Habitat emphasized its goal of constructing disaster-resilient schools to ensure children’s education continues even in times of crisis. The program also highlighted the critical role of education in the social reconstruction process following natural disasters.

Previously, UN-Habitat, in cooperation with local organizations, had rebuilt two other schools in Herat province. Recent earthquakes in western Afghanistan have caused widespread damage to educational infrastructure, increasing the urgency for reconstruction. Amid a lack of sufficient support from the Taliban authorities to ensure sustainable and safe education, international organizations like UN-Habitat play a vital role in upholding Afghan children’s right to education.