Laura Bush Announces $40 Million for AUAF
US First Lady Laura Bush announced $40 million (USD) in funding for the American University of Afghanistan during a visit to the country on 8 June 2008.
Speaking of AUAF, Mrs. Bush said, “This independent private institute was established by the US Agency for International Development (USAID) in 2005, and launched its programs in 2006. Over the past two years, the University has enrolled 300 students in business administration, information technology, and the liberal arts.”
Mrs. Bush, accompanied by President Hamid Karzai and Under Secretary of State Paula Dobriansky, met with AUAF students prior to the announcement to hear their views about education in the country. AUAF students were joined by their counterparts from Kabul University, the International School of Kabul, and the Women’s Teacher Training Institute for the roundtable discussion, which lasted approximately 30 minutes.
“Laying the foundation for an independent and strong democracy in Afghanistan depends on students,” said Mrs. Bush “It was good news when Afghan students told me that they were using their education to support their families, their society, and the reconstruction of Afghanistan.”
AUAF undergraduate student Amir Jamili, 24, was among the students who met with Mrs. Bush and Under Secretary Dobriansky. "We told them that we understand the value of the education provided by AUAF and also we are immensely appreciative of Mrs. Bush's continued support for this institution," he recalls. He described both visitors as friendly and personable.
Students conveyed to the visitors issues they thought need to be improved at AUAF: assistance in shipping books and learning materials to Afghanistan from the US, and greater financial assistance to enable more students to attend AUAF.
“I wish we could have talked longer,” said Jamili.
The funding announced Sunday is in addition to $17.7 million originally allocated to AUAF in 2005 to cover its initial operating costs.
“We can only express our deep appreciation to the American people for supporting AUAF,” said the Chief Finance and Administration Officer and Vice President, Johan Brongers. “These funds are crucial to building higher education in this country.”
Funding will be allocated to AUAF by USAID over the next five years. It will cover a significant portion of AUAF’s operating expenses, including learning materials, salaries for professors and staff, materials, and maintenance.
AUAF, which continues to grow dramatically, will require additional funding for scholarships for qualified and deserving students. It is also seeking funding for the construction of a spacious and modern campus to be located in Kabul. Presently, the University is operating from an interim campus which it expects to outgrow within three years. The cost for Phase One of the new campus – which will accommodate approximately 1,200 students - is expected to come to approximately $50 million.
