LASHKARGAH: The education department officials of Helmand have signed anagreement with Taliban representatives to allow the reopening of schools inthe areas falling under the control of Taliban.
Talking to Afghan Islamic Press, a representative of Helmand educationdepartment, Daud Afghan said they had started talks with Taliban figuresfor the reopening of schools about 13 days ago. They reached at theconclusion of signing an accord, he added.
“We reached at the conclusion with Taliban figures that they would nothinder education. About 100 schools, most of them located in northerndistricts of Helmand, would be reopened. The Taliban have assured us thatthe teachers could go to the schools without any trouble. The educationinspection teams could also visit the schools for evaluation. The militaryofficials would not be allowed to pay visit to the schools,” he said.
According to Afghan, the Taliban have assured the education departmentofficials that they would not use the school buildings for militarypurposes. The Taliban would also ensure monitoring of the schools, he said.The teachers or students who do not attend the schools would be declared asdismissed. The syllabus of education department would be taught at schoolsin the areas falling under the control of Taliban.
To a question about women education, Afghan said: “Currently we have threefemale school teachers who go to schools in the areas under the control ofTaliban in Garmser district. We have demanded of Taliban to allow women inother areas to go to schools. In response, the Taliban have agreed thatsmall girls would be allowed to go to schools. If the situation isfavorable, the Taliban said they had no issues with the education of grownup girls.”
Similarly, he said the Taliban assured that the projects related to schoolscould be executed freely. The Taliban also allowed the World Food Programmeto provide edibles and other items to deserving people.
He said the Taliban have assured to extend support in every aspect ofeducation.
According to Helmand education department director, all the actions hadbeen taken as per their agreement.
Meanwhile, Taliban spokesman Qari Muhammad Yousaf Ahmadi confirmed thesigning of the accord.
“We are striving to expand the circle of education. Schools would be madeoperational in the areas where needed. We have agreed to keep schools awayof war actions. Schools would not be attacked. Educational content would besent to schools on time. Standard teachers would be appointed in schools,”he said.
The agreement signed between Taliban and education departmentrepresentatives has 10 articles. In the accord, the Taliban have assuredthe opening, protection, security and other aspects of education.
Five persons from each side have signed the agreement. From the Talibanside, representatives of education and training commission including QariMuslim and Sadaat have signed the accord.