Afghan kindergartens below international standards

Monitoring Desk

KABUL: The kindergarten general directorate of Afghanistan stated that the standards for Afghanistan’s kindergartens do not reach an international level. The directorate blamed national and international organizations for not helping the kindergartens.

“Unfortunately, for many years the kindergartens have not received technical aid from national or international organizations,” said Horya Faizi Sardar Zada, head of the kindergarten general directorate.

Meanwhile, Saima Mohammadzai, a manager in a government-run kindergarten, emphasized that children’s needs should be fulfilled.

“If material like foods, bedrooms and study materials are ready, we can work very well,” said Mohammadzai.

On the other hand, a children affairs analyst said that Afghanistan’s kindergarten situation is concerning.

“The kindergarten was introduced to children as a jail, sometimes teachers’ behavior is not good—for these reasons a child will not show interest with schools,” said Maniza Ramazi, a children affairs researcher and university professor.

Previously, the directorate confirmed that because of the lack of a special budget they could not provide wholesome food for the children.

Based on the numbers of the general kindergarten directorate, 20,000 children attend 370 kindergartens and they need 69 million afghanis to provide nutritious meals. However, the directorate said that they have not reached their 13 million afghani budget yet.(TOLOnews)