School supplies are necessary in order to be a successful student which is a luxury that Afghan children are not given.
The United States forces are doing their part to help re-establish the education system. Specifically the Army’s 649th Regional Support Group is providing school supplies in the Kandahar province for both teachers and students.
Iowa native Army 2nd Lt. Shaela Bresnan, Backpacks for Afghanistan program coordinator stated, “Unfortunately, children here lack the opportunities to educate themselves. Even when they have access to a school that they are able to attend, they do not have the physical resources to get the most out of their education.”
Backpacks for Afghanistan program began in August 2009 and will give local students to receive backpacks with five pencils, three pens, two colored pencils, a pencil sharpener, two erasers, two notebooks and two folders. Teachers will receive a kit with classroom materials such as world maps, construction paper and small chalkboards.
“When I was a little boy, if someone had given me a pen instead of a gun, this country would be a better place,” said Afghan Col. Haji Toor Jan, Afghanistan National Police security commander of civil affairs. “The program is very good for our future. Our people will one day have doctors, pilots and engineers. This will be our future.”
Many schools and churches and other organizations have even donated to the Backpacks for Afghanistan program. Even you can contribute and assist with this worthy cause.
“If you change the life of a child, you change the world,” commented Army Sgt. 1st Class Elaine Holten, A Backpacks for Afghanistan organizer from Florida.
Check out this YouTube video of “Colorado for Kabul Kids” a non-profit group who provided backpacks and even you can contribute to this worthy cause.