| “Learning
brings hope for the future” |
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The
Afghan Reading Project is a registered charity that aims to put books
in the hands of Afghan children to inspire reading and learning. We
also fund books for older students and practical resources for
teachers.
ARP has funded the publication of 40,000 books, all produced
by Afghan writers, illustrators and printers. The books were
distributed to schools in Afghanistan and refugee schools along the
Afghan-Pakistan border, meaning that thousands of children can now
enjoy a range of educational and fictional texts.
ARP is a grassroots organisation and most fundraising has been by
individual and community effort. People have volunteered their time,
ideas and skills. The work of ARP depends on the continuing interest
and generosity of people like you.
You can find out more about what we are doing here.
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A Primary school classroom
– wall display by a resourceful teacher
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Happy to arrive at school,
near Bamyan
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The
projects funded by ARP are overseen by Dr.
Farid Bazger, who has championed literacy and education for Afghans
through all the years of conflict. He has visited village and city
schools, universities and classes in refugee camps. He has met the men
and women dedicated to teaching, and students of all ages who know that
education is their pathway to a better future. |
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| Why
are books needed? |
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Learning to read
– but children’s books are scarce
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More
than 20 years of conflict has seriously disrupted the Afghan education
system. Under the Taliban regime many girls in Afghanistan were only
educated in secret, and the curriculum was restricted for boys. Over
many years the nation’s book stock was devastated. Now books
that are linguistically and culturally appropriate and fitting to
current needs are in short supply.
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| More than
5 million children have gone back to
school, but thousands of boys and girls are studying in tents,
makeshift buildings and schools dilapidated from the years of war. The
universities have reopened but are also poorly resourced. Adults who
missed their opportunity to go to school are seeking literacy and
education, and sometimes join classes for children. There is eagerness
for learning at all levels, but educational resources are greatly
needed. Many families cannot afford to buy books as they struggle to
meet their needs for food, medicine and re-building their homes. |
This school
needs books and posters…and permanent classrooms.
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| Donation Form |
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Your kind donation will assist in printing a range
of books for children and provide equipment for schools. Since we are a
grassroots charity with local contacts (and minimal admin costs), your
donation will directly assist schools and teachers.
You can download a donation form here, or you can find out
about other ways of helping here.
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Starting school –
Reception children in their tent classroom
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| Contact and Newsletter |
Girls are keen to learn. Sharing
text books.
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You can download our latest
newsletter here. If you
would like more information, would like to receive future newsletters,
or are interested in helping the Afghan Reading Project in any way, you
can contact us by
email.
If you prefer you can write
to us at:-
Afghan Reading
Project
138 Wilmot Road
Dartford
Kent
DA1 3BE
UK
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| Further information about the situation in
Afghanistan can be found at the UNICEF
website. |
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All text
and images on this page are copyright Afghan Reading Project
|
