Girls in Sherzad district, Nangarhar province, will return to a new, safe school after this year’s winter break. Their original school was severely damaged during an earthquake in April 2009, which also resulted in the loss of 20 lives and the destruction of many homes and other buildings. USAID, in partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and International Relief and Development (IRD), immediately began work to build a new, earthquake-resistant school for the girls.
Despite the difficulties of construction in an area known for insurgent activity, USAID and its partners ensured the safe, rapid completion of the Sherzad Girls Middle School. The new earthquake-resistant, eight-room school provides classrooms for up to 400 students in two shifts and a safe place to study. Additional construction work is ongoing in the area, as the Sherzad Boys High School also suffered damage during the earthquake. USAID is committed to ensuring that Sherzad’s children have the opportunity to receive an education in secure, well-built schools.