Our Timely Computer Classes

As Afghanistan continues its reconstruction ‘growing pains’, new employment opportunities have arisen, especially in the area of computer technology, and with that, a high demand for skilled computer operators. Decades of conflict have unfortunately set Afghanistan far behind most of the world in information technology and now the country is struggling to play ‘catch-up’.
Help the Afghan Children (HTAC) has been a leader in bringing innovative strategies and programs to Afghanistan. In 2003 we built and operated the first model school and in 2004, we introduced the first computer literacy program in the country’s history.
In March of this year, HTAC assumed sponsorship of Rokhshana High School in the Karte-se district of Kabul. The school, in fact, is located across the street from our HTAC Kabul office. The school’s large student population of 4,087 (mostly girls), includes a great many 12-graders who will be graduating soon. The challenges facing young Afghan women remain great, even in Kabul. While few of them might get a chance to continue their education at a university, many others will hope to find employment. A great percentage of those who don’t will be expected to marry and start a family. Although our objective was to eventually bring all of its educational programs to Rokhshanna High School, we saw an immediate opportunity to provide computer classes to graduating seniors in order to give them a critical job skill in this expanding technology market – and that’s what we did. .
In order to make this happen, we needed to create a computer laboratory, equipped with 15 computers, a printer, and generator to provide needed energy for operations. In Kabul, Afghanistan’s Capital City, electricity remains scarce, so having consistent, reliable power to run this equipment is essential.
HTAC runs it computer classes with groups of 14 students in each class. Students receive 5 hours of instruction per week (about one hour per day), and are provided with a user-friendly computer workbook called “The Torch of Knowledge”. Once they have completed our program, these students will be tested and evaluated on their computer competency levels. In 2005, 87% of all enrolled students achieved a b competency in the three computer skill areas. We at HTAC are simply delighted to be a sponsor for Rokhshanna High School and in particular, offering a valuable life skill to Afghan girls.