RIE to host Afghan exchange programme

The programme,funded by the US Department of State through their embassy in Kabul,has been implemented by Asia Foundation — an international NGO. As part of the programme,31 Afghan nationals — 26 students and five chaperons — have been handpicked through interviews,written tests and also on the basis of their academic performance. The students represent seven Afghan universities — Baghlan University,Balkh University,Herat University,Kabul University,Kabul Education University,and Nangahar University.

“I am overwhelmed by the hospitality of the people of Chandigarh. I never expected to be welcomed with such warmth,” said Mohammad Naeem Saad,an undergraduate student from Nangarhar University.

RIE Director Dr Sharda Kaushik said the institute will broadly focus on areas like the English language,second or foreign language,testing and evaluation and how to use technology. Mustafa Bakshi,head chaperon,said: “I have received excellent feedback from the students. This is an enriching experience for them. The institute’s infrastructural facilities are state-of-the-art. I have done my Masters from Indiana Bloomington University in the US and I can say with confidence that the RIE library is better.”

“There is no uniformity in the curriculum of Afghan universities. With the help of the 15 books given to us and the training,we will work on a uniform curriculum for English language. This will be taught at the undergraduate and graduate level across the country,” said Abdul Hameed Mansoory — a graduate from Baghlan University.