As most of you probably know, the literacy rate in Afghanistan is very low. Ghazni's rate of 10-15% is even lower than the national rate. If you are a Hazaran female in Ghazni province forget about it. Their literacy rate is probably 1%. Fortunately that pendulum is beginning to shift. The PRT is assisting by building schools and providing text books. More and more children are going to school, unlike the older generations that didn't have the opportunity. This younger generation is the focus to make an impact on this country. That being said, it will probably take years until this generation ages to truly see the impact we're making. The 25+ year old generations aren't necessarily a lost cause, but you know the saying . . . you can't teach an old dog new tricks. We may not have that long to go considering the life expectancy is only 42. There are still, however, huge hurdles. The average teacher's education is no higher than a fifth grade level. Hopefully we can slowly increase the quality of teachers. Audrey, any desire to teach English in Afghanistan?
The picture above is me scribbling ink on Rocket Man's thumb so that he can "sign" his invoice for payment. Nothing like a good ol' thumb print for a signature. He's one of the many who can't read or write.
9 comments:
Hi Andrew,
Rocket Man is a pretty cool dude. Does he speak any english. This first message is short because the system doesn't always let me put in my gmail to send you a message, so I'm experimenting a little bit to try and get this off to you. Dad
Hello again! Worked easily for me that time. I got the good news yesterday that you'll be home on leave this spring. I know it will be short but mom and I would like to drive up to Maine to see you and Audrey one or two days, perhaps staying at the Harraseeket Inn in Freeport. That will leave you 12 days with Aud exclusively. We miss you! Love, Dad
Hey, Jordyn reporting from Boyers 10th grade history class, i was reading your blogs and wanted to thank you for everything you're doing for our nation, wanted to wish you luck and remind you that just one more person DOES make a difference, More people look up to you than you might think.
keep strong.
Hi Drew,
Wow! Things over there are so different than they are over here in the US. I think it's great that the children are now attending school. I hope that many doors of opportunity are opened for them! Keep up the good work (:
-- Lizz
Hey Drew-
I have enough challenges teaching English in America, let alone Afghanistan, but thanks for the offer. Keep up all your hard work-you are making a world of difference. I love you! Aud
Hello, im a Conestoga Valley student in Mrs. Boyers class. First I would like to say thank you for everything. I also have some questions if you dont mind me asking. First off what have you done so far? How long was your training? Was your training hard? What do you eat like everyday? Well good luck, stay strong and thank you so much!
Mrs. Boyer's class,
Thanks for your comments and concerns. In respone to your questions, you're reading what I've done so far. I'll have more stories to follow. My training was supposed to be 3 months, but mine was cut short to about 5 weeks. Training wasn't too hard, just busy. They have a DFAC (Dining Facility) here where we eat cafeteria style meals. On holidays we get special meals, but didn't get beer for the Superbowl like those punks in Iraq. Keep the questions coming.
He looks like a pretty awesome guy, he looks nice, holding still to have the thumb imprinted with ink..lol. Cool way of getting a signature – no thumb print is alike. Hopefully he can speak some English or you can practice your Afghan dialect. Do they have they have soap and water of some sort, because it might take a while to get rid of the ink. There is a lot of construction going on that is awesome hopefully Afghanistan will be stable soon. Love what you’re doing over there and the blogs they are awesome!!
Stay safe, comment more later,
Amy
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