July 29, 2009 Wednesday

The Project Illiteracy is going great!

I am pleased to say that the Project Illiteracy students are really doing well in class. I was told that one of them even studies until 9 p.m. I am so proud of them. They are showing so much enthusiasm and improvement; I am glad that I was able to provide them with this little opportunity for them to learn their language.

I do not know if I will be able to keep the class alive once I leave the country, but I really hope and try my best to keep it alive. Sometimes it seems like they do not want to leave the class even after the hour is over. They crowed around Dr. Rafi and keep asking questions.

On the first day of the class, they barely read their alphabets; but in just short two weeks, they not only read and write the Pashto alphabets, they start to read and write words and make sentences. Most of all, they are so much happier and confident than before they started the class for the simple fact that they are no longer illiterates. I can see the pride in their faces and brighter and louder laughter. It’s so rewarding just watching them getting better every day. I just wish there are more things I could do for them….

As of today, we had 4 students drop out of the course, though. Two had personal conflicts, but for the last two one, the class was a bit too challenging for them. They had trouble following the class although Dr.Rafi and Asad tried to help them out as much as they could. I just wish that they have the courage to keep on trying until they finally get it.

As for me, I am still having a rather hard time pronouncing some of the characters correctly, but I, too, am improving tremendously. (Dr. Rafi and Asad said so) I can now read and write few words without assistance or cheating. LOL! =)

Dr. Rafi and Asad are great teachers. Thanks, guys!!!