ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION

Reclaiming Afghanistan’s Precious Natural Resources

Nejrab District, Kapisa Province, Afghanistan

Almost 30 years of conflict have not only killed millions of Afghans, but have also decimated the land and natural environment. Centuries-old well-conceived water and irrigation systems have been destroyed; almost 50% of drinking water is contaminated; and Afghans, especially in urban areas, are exposed to many of the worst toxic and carcinogenic air pollutants known.

HTAC believes that a big part of our educational investment must address the issue of teaching children that awareness of and concern for the environment is crucial in the re-establishment of a civil society.

Designed by a leading Afghan authority on environmental issues, our Environmental Education Program helps children understand their unique relationship with the natural world; how actions they take in their life affect the environment; and how the environment itself affects their lives as adults and future generations.

Our program exposes Afghan children to key environmental concepts and teaches environmental responsibility. Our Green Rooms at each participating school provide an ideal learning environment where teachers can engage children in hands-on environmental projects; provide local eco-walks where they learn to identify local environmental problems as well as practical ways to resolve them.

One of HTAC’s long-terms goals is to educate young people who will be able to influence environmental legislation in Afghanistan that will help protect the country’s forests, wildlife, air, and waterways.

Building Civil Society through Education