UPG Viewer

29 Years Old

Afghanistan

Male

Yes! That is really who you are!

My name is Zakirullah Paiwastoon, and I hold a Bachelor’s in English Language and Literature from Nangarhar University and a Master’s in TESOL from Kabul Education University. Over the past eight years, I worked as a university lecturer, master trainer, M&E officer, and currently as an Education Technical Extender and Provincial Focal Point with CTG-UNICEF in Laghman province. In my role, I oversee education projects, support teachers, and work to improve local educational institutions. However, the Taliban’s restrictions on all programs including Girls’ Access to Teachers’ Education (GATE) initiative present significant challenges. Despite meeting all their requirements, the program is banned, limiting opportunities for girls to pursue education and teaching careers. I am applying to this training to expand my skills and explore new ways to overcome these barriers and improve educational access for girls and children in Afghanistan. I am committed to finding solutions in a challenging environment and am eager to contribute to positive change through continued professional growth.

Experience in Education and Capacity Building With over eight years in education, including roles as a university lecturer and master trainer, I have hands-on experience designing and delivering educational programs that empower both students and teachers. Adaptability in Challenging Environments I have worked in Afghanistan’s conflict-affected regions, navigating political instability and resource limitations while maintaining focus on delivering education. This experience has strengthened my resilience and ability to adapt to evolving challenges. Collaboration and Partnership Building I have successfully collaborated with organizations like UNICEF and local communities to implement education programs. My ability to build partnerships across sectors helps create sustainable, scalable solutions that address local needs. Innovation in Education Delivery I have explored innovative approaches like mobile learning platforms and technology integration, particularly through the use of tablets in the GATE program, to reach students in remote areas, ensuring continuity in education. Strong Monitoring and Evaluation Skills My background as an M&E officer has equipped me with the skills to assess program effectiveness, adapt strategies, and ensure that educational initiatives remain impactful and sustainable over time. Commitment to Social Change and Education Access I am deeply committed to improving access to education for marginalized groups, particularly girls, and am passionate about creating long-term solutions to educational barriers in Afghanistan.

I would like to highlight Collaboration and Partnership Building as a strength and share an example of how I used this strength to achieve a meaningful outcome. While working with CTG-UNICEF in Afghanistan, I was involved in the Girls’ Access to Teachers’ Education (GATE) program, which faced significant challenges due to the political perspective and restrictions on girls’ education. One of the major barriers was the lack of access to educational resources, especially for teachers in remote, conflict-affected areas. To overcome this, I worked closely with UNICEF to collaborate on providing tablets and electronic devices to enable teachers to access training materials and deliver lessons virtually. This partnership was essential in ensuring that teachers, especially women, could continue their education and professional development despite the restrictions on physical schooling. I helped facilitate the logistical and technical coordination of distributing the devices and training teachers on how to use them effectively. This collaboration allowed us to maintain educational continuity for hundreds of teachers, ensuring that they could continue their work even in the face of significant challenges.
The success of this partnership not only provided immediate support to the GATE program but also introduced a model for leveraging technology in areas with limited access to educational infrastructure, demonstrating how collaboration can create sustainable, scalable solutions to educational barriers.

Yes, I have experience volunteering. One significant instance was when I delivered PSEA (Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse) training to the staff of our implementing partner (IP) in Laghman province. The training aimed to raise awareness about preventing sexual exploitation and abuse in humanitarian and development settings, ensuring that staff understood their roles in safeguarding vulnerable populations, particularly women and children. I took the initiative to design and facilitate this training, ensuring that it was culturally sensitive and tailored to the local context. I worked closely with my colleagues to ensure that the materials were clear and engaging, and I also created space for discussions, allowing participants to ask questions and share their experiences.

Graduate: I have completed a graduate degree (e.g. I have a Masters degree or PhD)

If I were to lead a sustainability-related project, I would focus on creating a mobile education platform to provide continuous access to learning in rural and conflict-affected areas of Afghanistan, particularly in Laghman province. This platform would enable students and teachers in remote areas to access educational content, participate in virtual lessons, and complete assignments using smartphones or tablets, overcoming barriers like school closures, security issues, and restrictions on girls’ education. Afghanistan’s education system faces numerous challenges, including limited school access and frequent disruptions due to conflict. Currently, girls are banned from attending schools and universities in many areas, making this project even more crucial. A mobile education platform would allow girls and other marginalized students to continue their education, even in the face of restrictions, providing an innovative and scalable solution for education in these challenging circumstances.
I believe I am capable because I have:
• Experience: I have worked with CTG-UNICEF on integrating technology into education programs, such as the GATE program, where we used tablets to support teacher training.
• Collaboration Skills: I have experience building partnerships with organizations like UNICEF and local stakeholders, which is crucial for the success of this project.
• Community Engagement Skills: My work in Laghman has taught me the importance of involving local communities to ensure sustainability and relevance.
This project would ensure continuous, accessible education for girls and other marginalized groups in challenging environments, addressing barriers to learning and empowering children and teachers through technology.

1.Restrictions on Girls’ Education
With many girls banned from attending school, participation in the mobile platform could be risky.
Solution:
I would work closely with local leaders and families to build trust and emphasize the value of education for girls. Collaboration with women’s rights groups would ensure the platform respects cultural sensitivities while advocating for girls’ education.
2.Limited Access to Technology and Internet
Access to smartphones and reliable internet is limited in rural areas, which could restrict the platform’s effectiveness.
Solution:
I would partner with local mobile providers and tech organizations to make the platform accessible on low-cost smartphones and optimize it for areas with poor internet. Offline content options would also be explored to ensure continued access.
3.Security and Safety Concerns
In conflict zones, students may fear using mobile devices openly, especially girls.
Solution:
I would prioritize security and privacy on the platform, ensuring encrypted communication and safe access. Local leaders would be engaged to create safe spaces for learning.
4.Cultural Sensitivity and Acceptance
Some communities may be hesitant to embrace digital education, especially for girls.
Solution:
I would involve community leaders and influencers to gain their support and ensure the platform is culturally sensitive, aligning educational content with local values.
5.Sustainability and Maintenance
Long-term funding and platform maintenance may be challenging.
Solution:
I would seek partnerships with donors and tech organizations for sustained funding and support. Training local educators and technicians would also help ensure the platform’s long-term viability.
By proactively addressing these challenges through collaboration and local engagement, I believe the mobile education platform can provide lasting, accessible education in Afghanistan, particularly for girls.

More than 500 people

Yes

Laghman Provincial Education Directorate, District Education Directorates and Public School

The Laghman PED, DEDs, and local schools will provide essential support to ensure the success of the mini-training session in several ways: 1. Access to Local Education Networks: Through my strong relationships with PED, DEDs, and local schools, I have direct access to key education authorities and teachers. They will help mobilize participants and encourage engagement from the local education community. 2. Logistical and Venue Support: The PED and DEDs have committed to providing venues such as public seminar halls for the training. These spaces will be provided at no cost, making the training accessible and open to a larger number of participants without any financial burden. 3. Resources and Materials: Local schools and the PED will provide any resources they have available for the training, including educational materials, teaching aids, and equipment. This local support will ensure the training is well-equipped and relevant to the needs of the community. 4. Local Expertise and Cultural Sensitivity: The involvement of local education authorities and community leaders will help ensure that the training is culturally sensitive and tailored to the specific needs and challenges.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WnvJqpwa9y33tNsRWkS9ttA3xxqI51a4/view?usp=drive_link

This is the wildcard section. As an evaluator, please provide a rating based on your overall impression and your sincere gut feeling about this application. No other justification is required.