Kabul, Afghanistan – Shaheed Rabbani Education University (SREU) hosted an official graduation ceremony to recognize a cohort of 24 students, including four women, who are receiving a Master of Education degree.

In January 2008, SREU established the master’s in education program with financial assistance from USAID funded, University Support and Workforce Development Program (USWDP) and technical expertise provided by the United States-based University of Massachusetts-Amherst.

USWDP provided full-tuition scholarships to all 24 graduates, who are Afghan public university faculty members, to support the objective of the Ministry of Higher Education to have all professors hold at least a graduate degree. This two-year program promotes equity and excellence in teaching and learning by integrating educational theory, research, practice, and policy to develop professional faculty with a broad capacity to improve education throughout Afghanistan.

“As leaders, teachers, and educators, these new graduates shoulder an awesome responsibility. It will fall to them to guide the next generation of Afghans. But they are well prepared and they will make a tremendous difference in the future of this country,” noted USAID Mission Director, Mr. Herbie Smith.

“The Master of Education degree built the skills and knowledge of public university faculty from Kabul and provinces to better teach the next generation of Afghanistan. Thanks to USAID for enabling SREU to work for the betterment of higher education in this country.” said Professor Zabiullah Assadi, Chancellor of SREU.

USAID and USWDP are working with 11 public universities across Afghanistan to develop programs that provide market-based skills and knowledge.

With almost $17 billion spent on development programs in Afghanistan since 2002, USAID provides the largest bilateral civilian assistance program to Afghanistan. USAID partners with the government and people of Afghanistan to ensure economic growth led by the country’s private sector, to establish a democratic and capable state governed by the rule of law, and to provide basic health and education services for all Afghans.

• Press Release - Shaheed Rabbani Education University Honors Master’s Degree Graduates (Dari)
• Press Release - Shaheed Rabbani Education University Honors Master’s Degree Graduates (Pashto)