Officials: 165 of 371 Schools in Paktia Lack Buildings
The Paktia Education Department says that 165 of the province’s 371 schools do not have buildings.
Officials from the department said during the launch of construction work on a school building in Zormat district that buildings have been constructed for 18 schools over the past year.
Abdul Qayum Farooqi, head of the Paktia Education Department, said: “We have 371 schools in Paktia, of which 165 did not have buildings. Last year, permanent buildings were constructed for 18 schools from the Islamic Emirate’s own budget. In addition, we have three major projects in districts near the Durand Line for the construction of schools and madrasas. We also have school renovation projects underway.”
Students welcomed the construction of the new building but stressed the need for a proper learning environment, professional teachers, textbooks, practical education and other necessary facilities.
Hizbullah, a student, said: “The construction of this building will solve many of our problems. If classrooms are equipped, a laboratory is established and the shortage of teachers is addressed, we will be able to continue our studies properly.”
Another student, Zainullah, said: “There is also a shortage of teachers. We have computer classes, but we do not receive practical training and only study from the textbook.”
The head of the Paktia Education Department also acknowledged shortages of teachers, textbooks and school buildings, but said some of these problems have been addressed and assured that efforts are underway to resolve the remaining issues.
