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Afghanistan
Balkh Project
The Association Liaison Office for University Cooperation in Development (ALO) selected SIUC and UIUC to begin the task of fortifying the education of the faculty at Balkh University Faculty of Agriculture in Mazar-e-Sharif. The Balkh program will not only again pair Southern Illinois University in Carbondale with the UIUC but also includes the NWFPAU to assist in developing knowledge, adopt more modern teaching skills, and increase resource materials.
Three and four member teams are being sent to Afghanistan to assess physical and curriculum needs at the college, and work to establish research farms in the country. Of the 15 faculty members, only four have master's degrees. The Faculty of Agriculture, which enrolled just over 200 students in 2005 now has over 600 students, is outpacing its growth of experienced faculty and has serious space limitations.
The two universities are cooperating with the Northwest Frontier Province Agricultural University in Peshawar, Pakistan to develop training programs. In addition, new computers and printers, and reference materials have also been purchased in-country or shipped to Balkh University.
The one-year project has been well received by the Balkh University faculty. The needs assessment will direct further activities during the next months.