Association of Islamic Banking Institutions Malaysia

OIC Fund for Assistance of the Afghan People signed a contract with the Ministry of Education of Afghanistan to establish an Islamic Center for education and professional training for the benefit of Islamic schools in the Province of Kapisa in the north of the Republic of Afghanistan.

Last week, the foundation stone of the Center was laid in a ceremony, attended by many local officials and an assembly of students of Islamic schools and of citizens from the province.

OIC said that "the cost of the establishment of the center will reach US$ 1.5 million", financed by some Member States and by donors from the Islamic world.

The center is is expected to be completed end of December 2009, will be based in the Afghan capital Kabul as one of the biggest projects of the Fund for Assistance to the People of Afghanistan.

OIC said "the Center will provide Islamic studies to over 1500 student, and will organize professional training seminars in various fields for students of religious sciences in this important province."

"15 Health Centers"

OIC also launched the inauguration of 15 health centers in Afghanistan implemented by its aid fund.

"The cost of the implementation of the centers amounts to US$3 million", OIC said.

OIC said "the number of health centers established by Fund reaches 37 spread all over the Afghan territories."

Established in 2003, the OIC Fund for Assistance of the Afghan People benefits from the contribution of many Member States and civil society organizations. The Fund based in Kabul implemented a large number of projects in the fields of health, education, water and the resettlement of refugees and displaced persons.

OIC is the second largest inter-governmental organization after the United Nations which has membership of 57 states spread over four continents.

WB