165 Schools in Paktia Still Lack Buildings, Education Department Says
The Paktia Education Department says 165 of the 371 schools in the province still do not have buildings, a shortage that students say is compounded by a lack of qualified teachers, textbooks and practical learning facilities.
The issue was raised as construction began on an educational building in Zarmat district. Officials from the Paktia Education Department said buildings had been constructed for 18 schools over the past year and that several other projects were also under way.
Abdul Qayum Farooqi, head of the Paktia Education Department, said these buildings are being funded from the Taliban administration’s budget. He added that three other major projects are also under way in districts near the Durand Line, including school and madrasa buildings.
However, students say the problem of education cannot be solved by building walls and classrooms alone. They have stressed the need for a proper learning environment, qualified teachers, textbooks, laboratories and opportunities for practical training.
The head of the Paktia Education Department also acknowledged shortages of teachers, textbooks and shelter for schools. He said some of these problems have been partly resolved and efforts are continuing to address the remaining issues.
Paktia is one of Afghanistan’s southeastern provinces, and Zarmat district is one of the province’s most populous districts, where years of poor educational infrastructure have undermined students’ access to quality education.
