Developments in Education Tested by Violence

Abstract

"Persistent and tragic violence has threatened one of the most important aspects of development in Afghanistan. Education provides not only short term success in offering employment, training, and opportunity for the people of Afghanistan, but it also ensures long term success in the process of developing that nation's human potential and promoting a tolerant, democratic society. Since 2001, school enrollment in Afghanistan has increased from 900,000 to nearly 5.4 million. However, exceptional gains in education have been met with rising violence from totalitarian insurgent groups seeking to undermine development and the legitimacy of the Afghan government. To ensure the success of long term development, education must be protected from the violence of insurgents. Education is an essential component of human capital and security. An educated youth will provide a new generation of moderate leaders and a skilled workforce -- necessary components of a developed society. A noted economist, Gary S. Becker has written that: 'Indeed, in a modern economy, human capital is by far the most important form of capital in creating wealth and growth.' With limited or deprived education levels, long term economic development and stability will be jeopardized. Since the fall of the Taliban, the education component of human capital has been threatened by rising levels of violence throughout unprotected areas in Afghanistan."