By Raqiba Poya Aziz,Sher Ahmad Usmani

Copyright pajhwok

SHIBERGHAN (Pajhwok): The Department of Education in northern Jawzjan has established literacy classes at a camp for internally displaced persons (IDPs), offering new hope to those long deprived of basic education.

One of those enrolled is Zarmina, a widowed woman. For years, she dreamed of learning to read and write, but war and displacement denied her the opportunity. Today, she says she is finally able to pursue that dream.

The newly launched literacy initiative at the Taaleem Abad camp in Shiberghan city now serves 220 individuals, including men, women, boys, and girls—providing them with the foundational skills many never had the chance to acquire.

“Now I’m happy I can learn to read and write”

Zarmina told Pajhwok that although she always wanted to become literate, life’s hardships—especially war and forced migration—made it impossible.

Sitting cross-legged on a simple carpet beside her classmates, pen in hand and focused on writing her first words, she said: “For years, I wished I could learn to read and write, but because of life’s difficulties, I never had the chance. Now I’m happy that I can finally do it.”

Originally from Dawlatabad district of Faryab province, Zarmina moved to Shiberghan, the capital of Jawzjan, about five years ago due to conflict and insecurity. She has lived there ever since.

Bilal Ahmad, a 13-year-old boy from Sar-i-Pul province, was displaced six years ago. After losing his father, he had to work to support his family and was unable to attend school.

Now enrolled in one of the literacy classes, Bilal is excited about his future.
“Here, they teach us how to read and write. We also study religious subjects and English. I’m really happy to learn English because I want to find a good job one day,” he said.

Instructor: “Literacy can change the course of life”

Samiullah, one of the instructors, noted the enthusiasm of his students:
“Many of them are holding a pen and book for the first time. Their motivation shows that literacy can truly change the course of their lives.”

He said the curriculum includes Dari, Mathematics, English, and Islamic Studies, and students attend classes regularly and with great interest.

Experts: Education key investment in nation’s future

Haji Alisher Entezar, an education expert in Jawzjan, praised the initiative as a vital step in restoring rights and rebuilding lives.

“Creating educational and skills-training centers for displaced people is a commendable act, because education is a fundamental right of every individual,” he told Pajhwok.

He added: “In today’s world, where economic, social, and cultural challenges are widespread, opportunities for learning and skill-building can open doors to hope and progress.”

Entezar emphasized that investing in education not only benefitted individuals but also contributed to national development: “An empowered person not only resolves their personal challenges but becomes a positive force in society. Every effort in education is an investment in the country’s stability, progress, and unity.”

Officials: Literacy programs will expand

Mohammad Rafiq Zahedyar, Head of Literacy Programs at the Jawzjan Department of Education, said: “We’ve set up literacy classes for displaced people in Taaleem Abad camp. Currently, 220 individuals—including women, men, girls, and boys who were previously deprived of education—are now learning.”

Of the total participants, 160 are women and girls, while 60 are men and boys.

Zahedyar explained that in the 9-month course, the attendees were taught Dari, Mathematics, Islamic Studies, and more. Upon completion, the participants will be certified as having the equivalent of 4th-grade education in the national school system.

He noted that efforts were ongoing, in collaboration with aid organizations, to expand educational opportunities for displaced populations.

Across Jawzjan province, there are currently 149 active literacy courses serving 3,947 learners, taught by 78 instructors.

Mawlawi Amanullah Talha, Head of Refugees and Repatriation in Jawzjan, said: “We have always tried to ensure that refugees receive the support they need, including the gift of education. In the future, we will continue to work with the Department of Education and aid organizations to offer learning opportunities to more returnees.”

He added that currently, literacy classes have only been established in the Taaleem Abad camp, and emphasized the need for similar programs in other areas hosting displaced and returning families.