Dushanbe, Tajikistan, September 22, 2016 – On Wednesday, the United States Ambassador to Tajikistan, Elisabeth Millard, and the Isfara Deputy District Chairman, Sodir Kosimi, officiated the opening of Isfara School #67 in Isfara, Isfara District, Sughd Province.
The Isfara School #67 is a Civil Affairs project that began in 2015 with the intention of supporting the education of approximately 550 students, grades 1-11 by adding eight additional classrooms. The local government was unable to finish the construction project due to funding constraints. The U.S. government provided funding and helped complete the project. Prior to the construction of additional classrooms, even with three shifts, children in the local areas were forced to travel to other schools.
Civil Affairs personnel, in cooperation with district government leaders, identified district development priorities. The district government leaders accompanied Civil Affairs personnel to multiple projects, including the Isfara #67 School, which was the highest priority.
The construction of the additional classrooms at Isfara School #67 shows how the United States and local governments are working to improve the quality of life and education of residents in the Isfara District. This year marks 25 years of partnership between the United States and Tajikistan. The Isfara School #67 serves as an example of United States’ efforts to aid and assist vulnerable communities in the rural areas of Tajikistan over the last 25 years.