American University of Afghanistan
Press Release
American University of Afghanistan Opens
First Students Enrolled
The American University of Afghanistan (AUAf) opened for its first students on March 25 2006.
After country-wide recruiting, the initial group of students have enrolled in the American University of Afghanistan’s inaugural Foundation Studies Program. The Foundation Studies Program will consist of English Language training together with instruction in general study techniques and critical thinking skills. The development of these abilities will allow students to apply successfully for the university’s first Undergraduate Degree Programs in Business Management and Information Communication Technology, starting in August 2006.
Currently housed in the facilities occupied by the American International School of Kabul on Darulamen Road until 1979, AUAf offers a high quality US-style liberal arts education to students from Afghanistan and abroad.
Educating the Future Leaders of Afghanistan
USAID Acting Mission Director, Barry Primm welcomed the first cohort of students to enter the university. Speaking to the gathering of approximately 100 students, parents and dignitaries, Primm reiterated the words of First Lady Laura Bush during her visit to Kabul in 2005, who envisioned "a modern facility with an international faculty to educate future leaders."
Primm said that "the American University of Afghanistan will provide an education that emphasizes inquiry, discourse, innovation, critical thinking and entrepreneurship. So we are confident that its graduates, men and women alike, will not only achieve their own aspirations, but also provide the leadership and workforce to help Afghanistan achieve its aspirations."
The Afghan Minister of Higher Education Sayyed Amirshah Hasanyar (an alumnus of the American University of Beruit), stated that the Afghan government was keen to encourage private institutions that provided "international quality education with national accessibility". The government wanted to encourage both collaboration and positive competition between private and public universities.
He stated that in 2002 there were just 4,000 students in higher education in Afghanistan. This has risen to 50,000 students this year and would increase to 100,000 by 2010. In 2014 one million high school students will graduate and hence a rapid expansion in higher education is required.
He stressed that close links between public universities, private universities and private companies were key "as globalisation and the free market mean that the private sector will be the most important employment sector".
Students were congratulated on their successful entry into the preparatory program and thanked for choosing AUAf as the institution of higher education by Deborah Wilson, Dean of the Foundation Studies Program. She encouraged the students to work closely with the faculty to reach new heights in their academic achievements, so they will be able to lead the future development of Afghanistan upon their graduation.
Dr Sharif Fayez, President Pro Tem of AUAf and former Minister of Higher Education thanked the Afghan Government, USAID, The Asia Foundation and the principal donors for the reconstruction of the West Campus site, Chairman of the Board of Trustees Mirwais Azizi and Deputy Chairman Ehsan Bayat for their support of the university.
Education for Afghan Women
Primm stated that for most Afghan women who are unable to travel alone to a foreign site, a locally provided education is the only feasible opportunity. "Consequently, AUAf plays an essential role for increasing educational and eventual leadership participation by women in Afghanistan."
Muzhgan, a young lady who has enrolled in the university, thanked USAID for their support and stated that the opening of AUAf signified "the extraordinary humanitarian assistance provided by the USA in the education of young Afghans, particularly young Afghan women."
Marnie Gustavson, an alumna from the American International School of Kabul who returned to live in Afghanistan a year ago, said that in her discussions with Afghan women across the country, the reoccurring theme was that "the peace and stability of the country depend on education".
Future - "AUAf will offer the best education in Central and West Asia"
The next stages in the development of the university are the second round of recruitment of students for the June and August 2006 sessions of the Foundation Studies Program; the hiring of additional faculty; developing courses for Afghan ministries, the UN and other international organizations; the continued preparation of the physical facilities, and the fundraising to support these requirements.
Minister Hasanyar reiterated that most of AUAf’s students would come from poor families who could not afford to pay the full tuition fees. He reiterated the requirement that scholarships were required for those students of exceptional talent and hence fundraising was required.
Mirwais Azizi, who funded the refurbishment of the AISK High School and pledged ongoing support for the university, stated that education was vital for Afghanistan. He stated that the American University of Afghanistan is an integral part of this education system and encouraged all able Afghans, merchants and others with the resources to do so, to support this not-for-profit university.
Minister Hasanyar perhaps summed up the aims of the university when he said that "I am optimistic that the American University of Afghanistan will offer the best education in Central and West Asia.
For more information on any of the university’s programs
please email info@auaf.edu.af.
