Ambassador Kolinda Gravar Kitarovic and other NATO staff visited one of the largest DDAs in Afghanistan to discuss NATO withdrawal and to see progress in education in rural Afghanistan.

 

During the day trip, the delegation first visited the Chahar Asyab DDA where a representative from the district Governor’s office gave an overview of projects implemented within the district. After the presentation, an engaging and well-informed discussion with community members ensued regarding the imminent withdrawal of NATO troops in Afghanistan. Although community members expressed concerns about the drawdown, the Ambassador reiterated to the Chahar Asyab community that NATO support will continue through various measures within Afghanistan.

The trip concluded with a visit to the Tangai Saidan High School in Qalai Loqman village. The NATO delegation and the school’s Principle and teachers – as well as members of the community – discussed difficulties and challenges they have faced in implementing effective educational programming within the community. They presented the Ambassador with a list of their priority needs, to which she replied by saying that NATO would continue to try to do as much as possible to address the school’s needs. The NABDP-funded two story high school is attended by 3500 students and was successfully instituted by the Charhar Asyab DDA.

The NATO delegates were lead by Mr. Shoaib Khaksari, Head of the Programme Management Support Unit (NABDP) and Homayoon Milad, Head of DDA/Planning Unit (NABDP).