Afghan children learn the alphabet in one of five classrooms donated by Bazaar Mayor Bang, a local businessman. U.S. Army photo by 1st. Lt. Matthew A. Psilos


By U.S. Army Capt. Lawrence Sekajipo
Task Force Warrior

QALAT, Afghanistan, June 9, 2006 — More than 75 children in Khakeran and Anwari valleys, Deh Chopan district, celebrated the first day of school May 27 despite enemy insurgents’ intimidation throughout Zabul Province.
Three volunteer teachers and 60 students traveled as far as nine miles to attend the first day of school.

The project, led by Afghan and coalition forces, was helped by the commitment and dedication of Khaki-Afghan Police Chief, Abdul Hassan, and U.S. soldiers from Task Force Warrior, 2nd Platoon, Creek Company of the 2nd Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment from Fort Polk, Louisiana.

“The children are very enthusiastic about school and are enjoying the classes. The teachers, headed by Mohammed Zahir (from Mangelkhan Village) are excellent and have set an example by their fortitude and willingness to educate the youth of the district despite the threats to themselves and their families."

U.S. Army 1st Lt. Matthew Psilos

Hassan, together with U.S. Army 1st Lt. Matthew Psilos, U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Yusuf Jackson and Afghanistan National Army 1st Lt. Ataullah, began making improvements to the education system of the two valleys in March.

The team faced a challenge of finding volunteer teachers despite the fear of reprisals from enemy insurgents. In the past, the Taliban has threatened teachers in Anwari Valley by telling the locals that any volunteer would be beaten or even killed.

Some locals said Taliban were spotted stopping children on their way home from school in the vicinity of Baylough Village. Two males were seen taking books from children -- books with Koran writings that were later burned by the men.

Such incidents have enraged many Zabul residents, including Zabul Governor Del Bar Arman.

“Why are they (Taliban) against education? We have lots of verses (in the Koran) on education and the insistence on education,” said Arman. “How can they destroy schools in the name of Islam?”

Arman said some of the men disrupting the education system are illiterate themselves. The rationale behind preventing children from obtaining an education or being able to read the Koran is something that escapes Arman.

Local villagers in the two valleys have shown interest in improving education in the region for the sake of their children. One local businessman involved is Bazaar Mayor Bang, who offered five of his shops for use as classrooms. He also provides supplies, snacks and water for the local children.

Psilos and his platoon were able to gather schools supplies including notebooks, pens, pencils, bottle water, backpacks, blankets and water coolers.

Bang and Psilos are currently planning future expansions to the school. They hope to have at least seven classrooms to accommodate the children.

Afghan National Army, Afghanistan National Police and U.S. soldiers from Creek Company, 2nd Platoon, will provide security during and after school hours to ensure students and teachers are protected throughout the school day.

“The children are very enthusiastic about school and are enjoying the classes,” said Psilos. “The teachers, headed by Mohammed Zahir (from Mangelkhan Village) are excellent and have set an example by their fortitude and willingness to educate the youth of the district despite the threats to themselves and their families.

“This project has been very rewarding for the soldiers of 2nd Platoon -- the results have been outstanding and tangible,” added Psilos. “This gives my soldiers a feeling of responsibility and pride in what they have been able to accomplish.”

Afghan children on their way to school stop and pose for a photograph. The donated book bags were distributed to the students by U.S. soldiers of 2nd Platoon, Creek Company, 2nd Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment (Task Force Warrior), from Fort Polk, La. U.S. Army photo by 1st. Lt. Matthew A. Psilos

Afghan students pose with U.S. Army 1st Lt. Matthew A. Psilos, 2nd Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment (Task Force Warrior), from Fort Polk, Louisiana. Book bags and school supplies were distributed by U.S. soldiers of 2nd Platoon, Creek Company. U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Yusuf Jackson