Nai Qala is an association that was founded by Taiba Rahim, and Afghani women, in 2007. It is based in the Lake Geneva area. Taiba is the President.
Vision: to help create/restore the dignity/self confidence and sense of initiative among the population and women in particular, through improved access to education and health. The geographical area of action is rural areas of the province of Ghasni, in Central Afghanistan.
Mission: provide girls and boys in this area, with an opportunity to study in dignified conditions.
Project: the association has implemented three projects:
- Step one: 2007-2008 Nai Qala school for 1'000 children;
- Step two: 2009-2010 Sada school for 700 girls;
- Step three: 2009-2010 Gawmurda school for 400 children.
Impact to date: over 1'000 children study in improved conditions while 35 graduated in 2009 and are going to university. Three monitoring trips are conducted annually by the founder who has a local representative.
Sustainability: projects benefit from the partnership with local authorities who provide the land and the books. It is a project by Afghanis for Afghanis.
Specific needs expressed to Giving Women:
- Short term need: raising CHF 5'000 to buy (locally) school material for all pupils, for one year;
- Mid term need: advice on fundraising strategies would be very appreciated from experienced members of GW;
- Long term: guidance on approaching foundations working in the area of education and health would be very useful.
What has the Giving Women Project Circle achieved for the project?
The 5’000 Swiss Francs donated by Giving Women was used, as foreseen, to purchase school material (notebooks, pens, pencils, etc, except books provided by local entities).
The project circle provided also a mapping of potential donors and advice on best ways of approaching foundations working on education and health.
Overall achievements of Nai Qala
The objective to build an entirely new school in the village of Gawmurda, in a remote region of central Afghanistan, was achieved in September 2010. The construction of the school – for a total cost of 268’500 Swiss Francs – provides improved conditions of study to approximately 400 students, boys and girls. Compared with the previously existing situation, the school now allows an important number of girls to have better access to education. Based on an instruction from the Ministry of Education, there are 8 class rooms at disposal of the students. This provides for sufficient space for girls and boys to study with proper benches and proper tables.
The Ministry of Education, in view of the quality of the school, formally upgraded the Gawmurda school from primary education only, to include secondary education as well.
The initial number of 400 pupils is already being surpassed. Families in the region that had previously not sent their children to study are now inscribing their sons and daughters to attend. Nai Qala significantly raised the motivation and self-respect of the children, as well as that of their teachers, bringing a positive impact on their lives, families and communities.
Photographs of the completed school can be seen on www.nai-qala.org (photo section).