“Did you know that this school we’re standing in front of, the impressive Amani High School, has a nickname?” I ask, watching curiosity flicker across your faces. “It was fondly called the ‘Small Reichstag’ by the locals, due to its grand architecture that unfortunately met a tragic end in a fire in 1959. Today, we stand before the rebuilt Amani High School, a beacon of education in Kabul. Established in 1924, it was named after King Amanullah Khan, a visionary leader who aimed to modernize Afghanistan. For decades, Amani High School thrived as a symbol of Afghan-German collaboration. Germany played a critical role in its development, even incorporating German as the teaching language for several subjects. Imagine classrooms buzzing with students learning science and math in German, taught by dedicated educators who traveled from across the world. After years of turmoil and struggle, the school reopened its doors in 2002 with renewed support from Germany. Although German is no longer the primary language of instruction, the spirit of collaboration continues. Within these walls, young minds are shaped, carrying the torch of knowledge passed down through generations. Amani High School stands as a testament to the enduring power of education and the unwavering hope for a brighter future.”
Paghman Bridge
Slipping through time, let’s journey back to a Kabul brimming with life, where the Paghman Bridge stood as a silent