Strengthening Education, Empowering Teachers, and Declaring 1397 the Year of Education

Speech at the Official Start of the 1397 Educational Year & School Bell Ringing Ceremony

Keypoints: 

• Year of Education: 1397 declared “Year of Education Support.”
• Schools: 6,000 new schools with $200M and pre-fab construction.
• Teachers: Merit-based hiring, pay, and housing support.
• Digital Learning: Internet and distance education for remote schools.
• Gender Equity: Female teachers doubled, more women in leadership.
• Health: Vaccinations and nutrition in schools.
• Unity: Schools as community-protected “Houses of God.”

Location: Amani High School, Kabul

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

Dear brother Ustad Danesh, the First Lady of the country, His Excellency Mr. Muslimyar, Mr. Kashaf, honorable members of the Cabinet, officials of the Ministry of Education, Dr. Shinwari, Deputy Ministers, and most importantly, honorable teachers, dear colleagues, beloved students, honorable members of the Scouts, and the dear children of this country: Peace be upon you, and the mercy and blessings of Allah.

Firstly, I offer prayers for the pure souls of all the martyrs of the first of Hamal and those from yesterday, the third of Hamal, in Kabul and Lashkargah. Yesterday morning, our primary session at the Commander-in-Chief’s headquarters was focused on strengthening the country’s security, and national security will remain under comprehensive focus. At the same time, we must recognize that the national consensus regarding peace is being operationalized. Those who think they can damage the national will of this great nation should think again. The path upon which this nation reaches a consensus will be pursued with all our might, God willing, until a lasting peace is achieved. For whose sake is this peace? Peace is for the sake of the child, the woman, the religious scholar, and every segment of this nation. Therefore, we must understand that the crises of the past forty years are neither sustainable nor acceptable. We will, God willing, bring this to an end.

As the honorable Qari recited from the Holy Quran, we belong to a manifest religion whose very first words of revelation were: "Read in the name of your Lord who created." Throughout Islamic history, knowledge has held a supreme position. The pursuit of knowledge is not only a individual and national duty but our Islamic obligation. Do not forget that the Great Prophet of Islam said, "I was sent as a teacher to complete 'noble character' (Makarem al-Akhlaq)." Education is a sacred profession. I thank all teachers and education officials from the bottom of my heart for their continuous efforts; we are forever indebted to you and appreciative of your work.

In recent years, progress has been made in access to education, as evidenced by the statistics. The number of teachers and students has increased; however, unfortunately, the quality of education remains very low. This is a bitter reality: 50% of our schools still lack buildings, half of our teachers do not meet minimum teaching standards, and our students are not learning in a way that prepares them for a successful life with sufficient knowledge, skills, and capabilities. Three and a half million of our eligible children are deprived of education, and approximately one thousand schools across the country are unfortunately closed. This situation is unacceptable.

On the other hand, today at the exhibition, I saw the signs of the future: a 9-year-old child thinking about electricity and creating a device. Eleven and twelve-year-old girls represent a massive talent within our education system. The necessity is for the teaching system to strengthen this immense talent of our children. My remarks to you today are solely for the purpose of strengthening this God-given talent in our children and empowering our teachers. As a teacher, I have spent much of my life with the children of this homeland and other nations; thus, education has always been a priority in my heart.

However, I must say with regret that I became President under conditions where what was in my heart could not be my first priority. As President and Commander-in-Chief, my primary responsibility was to ensure the survival of this land, maintain its dignity, and protect this flag! Today, by the grace of Almighty God, the religious scholars, all strata of society, elders, teachers, and community leaders, I assure you that the survival of Afghanistan is no longer in question. This great nation will endure, and we will, God willing, reach our aspirations. At the same time, I was forced—following the withdrawal of more than 100,000 international troops—to prove the courage and honor of the Afghan security and defense forces to the world. Today, I am proud that our security and defense forces are defending the honor of this soil on every front. General Barekzai and all the Generals, thank you! Most people thought the army, police, and national security of Afghanistan would not last six months. As a student of this country's history, my view was different, and by the grace of God, my view was proven right: an Afghan always defends Afghanistan.

But today, our most important task—now that we have set the economy in motion, large projects are being implemented, and international and regional relations are progressing—is to focus on our fundamental priority: the future of not just the current generation, but future generations, which is education. There is now a regional, global, and national consensus on a stable and prosperous Afghanistan.

As your President and first servant, I wish to share new initiatives regarding the support of the country's education with this honorable nation, dear teachers, and beloved students.

First: I declare the new year, 1397, as the "Year of Support for Education," and I have important messages for this purpose: In the past four months, at least ten sessions have been held under my personal chairmanship. As Mr. Shinwari said, I have read the education plan word for word. In every month of 1397, one primary session of the leadership of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan under my guidance will focus on education issues—on one hand to measure progress, and on the other to resolve problems quickly. My instruction to all ministries is to cooperate fully with the Ministry of Education and place education at the top of every program. The issue of education does not belong to the Ministry of Education alone; this year, all government agencies—and hopefully non-governmental ones—should assist education, and this chain of work must continue.

Second: In the new year, 6,000 school buildings will be constructed within the next two years. Earlier, when I spoke with the provinces, the primary complaint from Nangarhar and Jawzjan was the lack of schools. We will fill the gap of 6,000 schools, God willing. I have instructed the Minister of Rural Development, Mr. Karimi, in this regard, and $200 million has been allocated for these schools. Additionally, I have instructed the Ministry of Urban Development to prepare 100 schools, many of which will be high schools, using a pre-fabricated system. What does this mean? Schools are manufactured in a factory in Kabul and then transported; within one to two weeks on-site, an eight-classroom school is completely ready for use. This is for our insecure areas. Insecure regions of Afghanistan will be the focus of our attention.

Third: Per the Cabinet's order, the Ministry of Education has drafted the "Rank and Salary" regulation for teachers. With its publication in the Official Gazette, it becomes enforceable. By August 18, 2018 (27 Asad 1397), a large number of teachers who have completed their legal term will benefit from this privilege they requested. I know that you never forget my promises; therefore, I am delivering on the promise we made.

Fourth: I had promised teachers—based on Mr. Wardak’s proposal—that I would provide them with affordable housing. While we haven't had the necessary success in this regard yet, I have instructed the Ministry of Urban Development and the Independent Land Authority to arrange a practical plan. Teachers, returning refugees, internally displaced persons, and the families of martyrs will have shelter and housing. We will provide reports to you on this. You will certainly be informed of the monthly meetings and progress on this topic that interests you all.

Fifth: Our sister mentioned the arrangement for distance learning. I have instructed the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology—Mr. Hedayati is present—and the ATRA authority to connect central and provincial schools to the internet. This begins today in the center and will expand to the provinces. With the help of computers and technology, student learning outcomes will improve. Our children must have access to contemporary technology. This means the ATRA authority has the funds, and the priority of the Ministry of Communications is to place unused systems at the disposal of the education sector. By this means, wherever we cannot send a first-rate teacher, we can send a first-rate curriculum and the voice of teachers. I hope this will be a major advancement for the children of this land.

Sixth: Civil society has also become active, and legal facilities have been provided for them to cooperate with the Ministry of Education in both distance and direct training.

Seventh: I instruct the Ministry of Public Health to work closely with the Ministry of Education regarding health programs for schools and students:

• A. The Ministry of Public Health will cooperate in creating a comprehensive school health program.

• B. They will implement a program to distribute iron and folic acid tablets to girls. Honorable Minister of Women’s Affairs and other sisters! These tablets play a vital role in the future lives of our girls. It is essential that no misconceptions arise regarding this; it is a supplement for their strength. Every young girl must be strong and healthy.

• C. Pediatric vaccinations, especially the tetanus vaccine, will be applied generally. This prevents hundreds of diseases, and both boys and girls will benefit from it.

• D. Arrange a health program for newly enrolled students; all of them will receive attention, God willing.

• E. Specifically, within the Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development (MRRD) programs, the provision of clean drinking water and hygiene is a priority. The MRRD and the Ministry of Public Health will collaborate in this sector.

Eighth: The Teacher Loan Fund:

• A. I have instructed the Ministry of Finance to provide continuous cooperation in this regard.

• B. I call upon all merchants and investors to take action to contribute to this fund. Our businessmen have made promises; God willing, you will see the results. All of us, including the First Lady and myself, will contribute to this sector.

• C. All security agencies are instructed to cooperate as a matter of duty in ensuring the security of schools, teachers, and students. I specifically welcome Mr. Shinwari’s initiative regarding the Scouts (Sarandoi). The Scouts must become the means by which complete security is established in our schools so that honorable teachers and dear children can live in a safe environment. Be aware that no type of threat against children or teachers—especially female teachers—is acceptable. In case of negligence, the severest security penalties will be imposed on the responsible individuals.

• D. I ask our elders and dear religious scholars (Ulema) to provide spiritual support for education.

• E. We are in the final stages of discussions with the Chamber of Commerce and Industries. Just as they helped the Red Crescent—contributing 1.5%—they will, God willing, dedicate 1% of imports specifically to strengthening education.

• F. I ask civil society to help enroll eligible children who are currently deprived of education into schools.

Ninth: Leadership of the Education Reform Plan Implementation: I, Ustad Danesh, Dr. Abdullah, and the top-level officials of the National Unity Government will lead this. The reason is that last year, our greatest embarrassment was internal; there was a report outside of Afghanistan about widespread corruption within the Ministry of Education.

This level of corruption is unacceptable. If someone steals from water, the harvest might decrease slightly; if someone steals from imports, revenue might drop slightly; but if someone steals from our children and teachers, that is Kufr (infidelity). It is intolerable. In this regard, I want to specifically thank Dr. Shinwari, as well as the teachers and officials who have worked day and night over these four months. We are all grateful to you.

The Ministry of Education will become smaller and more accountable. One of my decisions is that, from now on, no teacher will be appointed without the Civil Service Reform Commission. Every teaching post will be competitive and determined through open competition. The culture of a teacher paying a bribe of fifty thousand or one hundred thousand [Afghanis] is absolutely unacceptable and punishable.

We will discuss the "Regional Salary Plan" for teachers in the Human Resources Council to find a rational solution. We will send educated and skilled teachers to those areas that have seen less progress. It is not that decisions are not fresh; it is simply that criteria must be clear so that there are no problems tomorrow. My support is with you for the implementation of a "special educational services package" in less-developed areas. I have instructed the Ministry of Education to treat all children of Afghanistan as their own and provide equitable, high-quality education for all.

Sisters, brothers, and dear compatriots! It is unacceptable that 17 provinces of Afghanistan move forward educationally while the people of others decline. All of Afghanistan is the common home of all children, and every Afghan child must progress in the same manner.

Tenth: Encouraging Innovation: Today marks the first step in a series of efforts to encourage and honor innovative young cadres, students, teachers, and donors. I express my gratitude to all the pioneers, schools, and teachers who show initiative—especially the teachers, school founders, and students. Innovation is the secret to our future progress. If our children do not have mental stimulation, they will reach "old age" prematurely.

You have always honored me by not counting the 30 years I lived abroad as part of my age; for this reason, you count me among the youth. But this is so you can invest in me. What do I want? I want the same conditions that were available to Ashraf Ghani to be available to every Afghan.

To institutionalize this innovation, my instruction to Mr. Shinwari and the Ministry of Education is to create an "Innovation Fund" to provide support and necessary facilities for every innovator. The Ministry of Education will also provide another proposal on Teachers' Day to honor those respected teachers who have used new and innovative methods and succeeded in facilitating learning for students. Our innovative teachers need encouragement; the more your innovation grows, the better the environment for encouragement will become, God willing.

Regarding finding land for schools that lack it—it was shocking to me when Mr. Karimi brought the figures showing that land has not yet been allocated for several thousand schools. My instruction to Mr. Baik (Head of the Independent Directorate of Local Governance), the Land and Water Authority, all governors, mayors, and district governors is to find land within six weeks for all schools that currently lack it. This is our priority. Let no child ever tell me again that they have no school. Tribal and religious elders have always been ready to cooperate; I thank them and ask them to continue their support.

In the past two years, the Ministry of Education has attracted 1,330 acres of supportive land from the people, equivalent to 425 million Afghanis. I express my gratitude to our honorable and dear nation for this selfless cooperation. My wish is that this cooperation between the government and the nation continues and strengthens.

In the past two years, besides land, this Ministry has attracted aid equivalent to 1.5 billion Afghanis. My instruction is to organize this work more systematically; create a transparent system and an appreciation mechanism so that the rights of those who help their government and Ministry of Education are honored. I call upon the nation: this great nation has performed miracles in building mosques—more than 160,000 mosques were built by the people in these 17 years because they have faith.

The land, construction, and salaries of many scholars were provided by the people themselves. Our people performed this religious duty in the best way. My call and request is for the same national collective effort (Hashar) to strengthen education. Specifically, I call upon the scholars, Mr. Kashaf, and the Ulema Council to bring all of Afghanistan in one direction so that the people view schools with the same sanctity as the "House of God," because the Word of God (Kalimat-Allah) is taught here.

Good progress has been made on the new educational curriculum, for which Mr. Shinwari has given you the plan. I thank you for reducing the heavy burden and the great "injustice" that existed against our children. In what other part of the world does a second-grade child study 7 subjects and a tenth-grader study 16? This has been reduced and must be improved further. I have clear hope that the published books—published with high quality—will be placed at the disposal of all students and teachers. I mentioned technology earlier, as did our sister; the Ministry of Communications and ATRA will place all their facilities for the technological transfer of the curriculum at the disposal of the Ministry of Education.

Textbooks were another massive problem, as they were only printed for 30% of students in previous years. Last year, I accidentally found out there was a massive problem in the transport of books, which caused months of delays. But this year, God willing, 100% of the books will be printed, a transparent distribution system has been created, and the required five-year budget is ready. Our children and teachers should no longer complain that books do not reach them. All government entities will assist in the transport of books.

For the first time, we are proud that the books for Islamic Madrasas and Darul-Ulooms have been printed with the best layout and binding and are at the disposal of the Ulema. Literacy books have also been written and printed based on capabilities.

We are transforming the Ministry of Education into a professional and non-political institution. Unprofessional individuals who come here based on "connections and relations" have no place in this Ministry. This Ministry is not a place for the politics of discord, division, or "small politics." The Afghan child is innocent; this child must be raised as a Muslim and an Afghan. Among them, there must be unity, oneness, and equality of all tribes and strata of Afghanistan. Discord has no place in our education. All ethnic groups of Afghanistan are brothers and equals; no Afghan is less than another, and no Afghan is superior to another.

Therefore, any creation of discord or—God forbid—an environment of insult and humiliation has no place in our education. Look at any part of Afghanistan; it has been the cradle of an empire or a state. Our great honors are the shared honors of all Afghans, and the future of Afghanistan is the shared future of all Afghans. Our pains are shared; we must put balm on the wounds, not increase the pain. For this reason, the Ministry of Education must have a clear Islamic and national code of ethics.

Unfortunately, in past years, there was deep corruption in the recruitment of teachers. This year, the exam for 8,000 posts was conducted in a very transparent manner across the provinces. It is a clear point of pride that a large number of Afghan women participated in this process, and I congratulate them on their success. Furthermore, 18,000 other teaching posts will be recruited through the same method this year.

Last year, to encourage female teachers, I approved 3,000 contract positions, 2,500 of which have been filled. Because the presence of female teachers in girls' schools is absolutely vital, I am doubling this number—a 100% increase—this year. Specifically, 6,000 posts shall be dedicated to female teachers. The Ministry of Education must ensure the number of female contract teachers reaches this 6,000 target.

A point I still have a complaint about is the lack of women in the leadership levels of the Ministry of Education. Pay attention, all officials of the honorable Ministry of Education! It is not acceptable that all your deputy ministers and 90% of your directors are men. In a ministry where women hold a majority or equal share, this situation is unacceptable; change it fundamentally and comprehensively. What message does it send to our young girls if they do not see themselves at the leadership level—why should they study? For this reason, you must be certain that empowering women at all levels of leadership in the Afghan government is part of our peace program. The rights of Afghan women can only increase; they will never, under any circumstances, decrease.

I also have a request for innovative and talented youth in both schools and universities: assist in the education of children as volunteers. Help in your alleys, neighborhoods, districts, and various places. Furthermore, I request our dear people and families to cooperate in supervising schools and the attendance of teachers and principals. Until there is community oversight, government oversight will not be sufficient. Specifically, I request the National Solidarity Program and Mr. Karimi that local councils in neighborhoods and provinces must play a fundamental role in monitoring education, school presence, and attendance.

I have two final points—forgive me for speaking so long! First: Vocational Training. We had many shortcomings in this sector; however, in these past two years, fundamental research has been conducted. In the next two years, God willing, you will witness the implementation of a program where a technical-vocational school will be established and active in every district. This is a great message: our students will not graduate illiterate; they will be able to participate fundamentally in the labor market. After performing technical work, they can pursue their other professional endeavors.

In conclusion, I have one request. We are facing two very large national processes this year: The first is the Afghanistan Elections. In the year 1397, the elections for the National Assembly and District Councils will be held. Based on the Election Law—for which I thank Mr. Danesh—a special role has been given to teachers and professors. My request to all teachers and officials of the Ministry of Education is to play your role in the elections fundamentally. Convince the people to vote, explain the rights and obligations of the people to them, and remember that you hold the primary supervisory and supportive role at the polling centers. I hope you answer the call of the honorable Election Commission in this regard.

Our second process is Peace. Forty years of war has changed our culture. The great culture of Afghanistan was a culture of mutual acceptance. You have heard the Pashto proverb that says:

"If you say 'I am' and I say 'I am,' neither you nor I will remain. But if I say 'You are' and you say 'You are,' both I and you will remain." Come, let us move past "I" and "Me," and say like a great nation: We are one. We are Afghans. We bring peace, we bring stability, we bring security, and we bring progress.

In this regard, the role of our honorable teachers and students is fundamental in fostering mutual acceptance, the culture of peace, and the culture of debate and reasoning rather than the culture of force. Reasoning is part of our Islamic and national culture. Accepting one another, showing dignity and respect to each other—respect between men and women, children and elders, young and old, and among all strata and ethnicities—is our vital necessity. Our education system, God willing, will witness success this year with this important agenda we have ahead of us.

Long live Afghanistan!