http://www.prt-logar.cz

This is our future, the Afghans say about agriculture school

Jan 9, 2011

Czech Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) has launched the construction of Mechanical and Agriculture High School in Logar, one of the first specialized vocational schools in Eastern Afghanistan. Laboratories, workshops and a demonstration farm will be available to the students.

Construction works have already started at the Pole Alam city, the center of Logar province. The workers first had to flatten the ground and check it for possible mine residues and other dangerous material.

The workmen are already digging foundations for the buildings and a security wall around the compound, which will guard the school and its students.

“Support to specialized education at high schools is very important in Afghanistan, especially here in Logar. There are several high schools in the province, but none is vocational, specialized,” says Zuzana Biniova, agricultural advisor from the civilian part of Czech PRT.

“People here are interested in new agriculture methods, but there is no institution in Logar where they could learn them. We have decided to change this,” says the deputy head of the civilian section of Czech PRT, Jarmila Jelinkova. "The construction of the mechanical and agriculture school is our biggest project in Logar," she adds.

Most people from Logar make their living by farming but often they lack advanced technical and professional skills.

"People talk a lot about the future agriculture school. When we broadcasted the news about the ceremony, they have called our radio and were thankful," says Noorullah Stanekzai, director of radio Zeenat based in Logar.

"Logar inhabitants make their living by agriculture, but it is a hard work. There are modern methods, but people had no chance to learn them. Now they have. This is why people say the agriculture school is our future," Stanekzai explains.

The first phase of the construction should be finished in couple months and the school should be ready for the first students in autumn. The security wall, one school building with 16 classes, laboratories and workshops should be ready by then.

In next phase, finished in 2012, another school building, student dormitories and a dining hall will be built.

Important part of the Agriculture School is a demonstration farm. This is where the students will have a chance to practice what they have learnt in school.

Young men are already interested to study agriculture in Logar capital, Pole Alam.

"We have two cows, some fields and hens, it is good for me and for my family if I get professional education in agriculture," says Mohammad Farooq, who came to see the ceremony.

Kristyna Greplova - Civilian Part of the PRT

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