Stories & Updates

The story of Afghan Rural Schools

The odds are stacked against children in Khas Kunar, Kunar Province. Many come from families too poor to spare them for a school day. Even those who attend face significant barriers: scarce classroom seats often go to children from privileged families or those with political connections, while rural students are routinely passed over.

Girls face additional obstacles. In a society that has historically undervalued the education of daughters, access to schooling for girls is far from guaranteed. And unlike children in Afghanistan's major cities, those in Kunar Province receive comparatively little support from international organizations — in part because the region is one of the country's least secure.

Many rural schools also lack electricity, clean water, and basic technology — the very tools that prepare students to succeed in the modern world.

Dr. Abdul Qayum Safi, an Afghan-American educator, author, and naturalized U.S. citizen, founded Afghan Rural Schools to change that. "Despite the obstacles, we're optimistic," he says. "Since December 2013, we have installed solar panels to electrify three schools — a girls' high school, a boys' high school, and a boys' middle school — as well as the office of the Director of Education in Khas Kunar."

Dr. Safi maintains close ties to the community. His relatives teach at these schools, and he speaks with them weekly to ensure that every donation reaches the right hands. He is also seeking connections with schools interested in becoming sister schools to those in Khas Kunar, as well as volunteers and donors who share his vision.

To learn more or get in touch, visit our contact page or email info@afghanruralschools.org. Dr. Safi is also available to speak to audiences in the Washington D.C. area, New York, and New England about his work, his memoir One Life: An Afghan Remembers, and the challenges facing Afghan communities today.

Dr. Safi's visit to Khas Kunar

Abdul Wadood Alizai (right), Dr. Safi's brother and local representative, outside a school in Khas Kunar — spring 2024

During a visit to Khas Kunar in spring 2024, Dr. Safi was joined by his brother, Abdul Wadood Alizai, and local representatives for a firsthand look at the girls' high school.

While the school owns approximately two acres of land, the existing building occupies only a portion of it. The surrounding land was marshy — a health hazard due to mosquitoes and a flooding risk during the rainy season. Dr. Safi and his team took immediate action to begin drainage work, but a permanent solution is still needed.

The next project, already approved by local government, is the construction of a barrier wall to protect the campus from river flooding. Funding for both the drainage work and the barrier wall has been secured.

Looking ahead, ARS aims to expand the school's facilities — purchasing additional land and building classrooms and amenities for students and staff. We are actively seeking grants and donations to make this third phase a reality. Your support can help these girls thrive.