Photo: AUAF/Afghanistan

Ribbon cutting ceremony at The American University of Afghanistan's Bernice Nachman Marlowe Library.

The  American University of Afghanistan (AUAF) inaugurated the Bernice Nachman Marlowe Library on 10 November 2008. The Library and adjoining facilities will allow AUAF to reach its growth projections and further the goal of creating a modern, fully-equipped university able to effectively educate Afghanistan's leaders of tomorrow.

Ambassador William B. Wood of the United States Embassy to Afghanistan spoke at the opening ceremony. "This is a building that will encompass and embrace academic endeavor," he says. "It is an important step towards rebuilding the higher education sector in Afghanistan."

"By investing in Afghanistan's youth, we are investing in the future," he explains.

Accompanying Ambassador Wood was a letter from U.S. First Lady Laura Bush, who writes, "Today you honor Afghanistan's commitment to education by opening a vital center for learning. […] Young Afghans, especially women, can come here to study many different subjects and read about the courageous democratic leaders of their country. They may even be inspired to follow in their footsteps."

The Library is named after the mother of a major donor, Ms. Ann Marlowe. Like many AUAF students, Mrs. Bernice Nachman Marlowe first encountered English as school. Despite the linguistic challenges she endured, she went on to graduate near the top of her class from New York University in 1948, a time when few women attended university.  

Ms. Marlowe draws a parallel between her mother and AUAF students, particularly female students, who are overcoming significant linguistic and other challenges to pursue higher education. She notes the progress in education in Afghanistan, especially by women. "Many girls are accomplishing something that their ancestors never accomplished."

The Library will increase AUAF's book holdings to 6,000 books, boast 60 internet-connected computer work stations, a quiet study area, and four meeting rooms. The adjoining facilities include six multimedia-equipped classrooms, a fully-equipped science lab, a state of the art video conference system, and a garden.

AUAF Student Government President, Mr. Ali Babur Ghulam, concluded the ceremony by praising the opportunity that such learning resources symbolize. "Picture the hardships and challenges that an illiterate person faces when trying to feed his family. Education is the path to a better and more fruitful future for Afghanistan."