Program Report ansf literacy Program: The Afghan National Security Forces in the Central & Eastern Provinces of Afghanistan, August 2010-December 2014 United Alliance Global Solutions
B. Observed Illiteracy in the Central and Eastern Regions
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| B. Observed Illiteracy in the Central and Eastern Regions
UAGS had the opportunity to develop and implement a large-scale literacy program within Afghanistan, primarily in the central and eastern regions. Most of our staff had been involved in literacy training since 2008. We had the honor to train thousands of ANSF members and assist them in achieving literacy. Over the course of the past few years, we have accumulated a great deal of data relating to the literacy issues facing the ANSF. As the men and women of the Afghan National Army and Afghan National Police were enrolled in the literacy program, they were given an initial placement assessment. This test was designed to measure their current level of literacy, and for those below the 3rd grade level, they began literacy training if their unit allowed. It is important to note that not all ANSF members automatically got the opportunity to attend literacy classes. This was determined by their commander, and related to the US approving and funding classes in their area, and the operational tempo of the war. As an example of illiteracy within the UAGS area of operations (central and eastern Afghanistan), the table below (Table 1) is a description of the magnitude of illiteracy and the soldiers who were tested and received basic literacy training as they entered the ANA at the Kabul Military Training Center. The table reflects nearly over a four-year period, from October 2010 to December 2014. As part of the literacy program at KMTC, soldiers were assessed to determine their level of literacy as they arrived to begin their service in the Afghan National Army. The overwhelming majority of the new recruits were illiterate. The literacy screening assessment measured the soldiers’ Afghan grade-level literacy up to the third grade. If soldiers demonstrated first grade literacy by scoring 70% or above on the first grade portion of the assessment, they were not eligible to receive training. However, as shown below, most soldiers did not demonstrate even 1st grade literacy according to Afghan educational standards. The majority of the soldiers could not read, write, or recognize their name or identification number. Table 1. Afghan National Army BWT Initial Literacy Assessments The achievement rate, first grade literacy, was high for soldiers who were able to complete the training. When allowed and available to attend literacy instruction for approximately 64 hours, most soldiers were able to achieve a first grade level of literacy within their basic training period. It is important to note that the opportunity to complete the literacy program was not available to all BWT trainees. While most ANA commanders and Coalition Forces advisors welcomed this important training and placed a high priority on it, it was not mandatory. Some units placed other training as a higher priority or deployed to the field having only completed part of the course. Of most importance, the graduation rate of soldiers completing the course of study was significant. Almost 90% of the BWT new inductees who completed the 1st grade course of study were able to graduate and receive a 1st grade diploma. This diploma is recognized by the Afghan Ministry of Education and reported to them. The figure below (Table 2) illustrates the noteworthy achievements by the ANA soldiers who were able to complete the 1st grade course of study at KMTC during their basic training. Table 2. ANA KMTC BWT Graduation/Completion Data Download 221.99 Kb. Share with your friends:
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