UN SDG ‘Quality Education’ demands achieving the target of universal primary education and ensuring all girls and boys, equally, complete free primary and secondary education by 2030.

The literacy rate in Afghanistan is one of the lowest in the world, i.e. only 38.2% of the adult population is literate as per 2015 figures. Even more appalling is the literacy rates of female literacy which is only about 17% of the population. These figures call for immediate action and declaring an education emergency.

APDWO is committed to continuing its efforts in this area both through the mobilization of its core resources as well as through forming partnerships with national and international actors engaged in the development of the education sector in Afghanistan.

Over the years, APWDO has been engaged in and has played an important role in fostering a culture of reading and learning through the provision of facilities, resources, and initiatives for the cause of “Education for All”.

APWDO’s Contributions to Education in Afghanistan

Afghan Paramount Welfare Development Organization (APWDO) has been actively involved in addressing the critical educational needs in Afghanistan, especially in conflict-affected and socio-economically disadvantaged regions. Our comprehensive educational initiatives are designed to provide equitable access to quality education for out-of-school children, particularly girls and those with disabilities.

Key Education Projects and Initiatives:

1. Community-Based Education (CBE) Programs:

1. • Locations: Nangarhar, Balkh, Badghis, and more.
   • Focus: These programs target out-of-school children by providing basic literacy and numeracy skills, which are crucial for their academic and personal development. CBE centers are established in communities lacking formal school infrastructure.
   • Achievements: Successful execution of 160 CBE classes in Badghis province benefiting 4,800 students and running 216 classes for 6,500 students in Ghormach and Balamurghab with the support of UN OCHA.

1. Special Education for Disabled Students:

1. • Location: Nangarhar Province.
   • Impact: From 2018 to 2020, APWDO focused on disabled students in eight districts, enhancing their access to tailored educational resources and support, funded by the UNICEF Malala Fund.

1. Educational Support in Balkh Province:

1. • Overview: Implementing 100 classes for 3,000 students across four districts, in collaboration with SIDA and Save the Children.

Training and Development:

• APWDO places a strong emphasis on teacher training to ensure that educators are equipped with the skills to offer gender-sensitive and inclusive education. Our training programs aim to enhance teaching methodologies that cater to diverse student needs, fostering an environment that supports all students, especially those with special needs.

Strategic Collaborations:

• Collaborations with international agencies like UNICEF and Save the Children have bolstered our capacity to meet the acute educational demands. These partnerships have facilitated a broader reach and deeper impact on our educational programs.

Commitment to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

• APWDO’s educational projects align with SDG 4, which emphasizes inclusive and equitable quality education and promotes lifelong learning opportunities for all. By focusing on marginalized groups, APWDO is committed to reducing educational disparities and enhancing learning outcomes for Afghan children.

Through these initiatives, APWDO is making substantial progress towards the realization of inclusive and equitable quality education for all, aligning with Afghanistan’s broader development goals​.