Lack of literacy and education is at the core of all major issues in Afghanistan. Only 28 percent of the entire Afghan population is 15 years and older is literate. 3.7 million, or 44 percent, of all school-age children are not attending school which is further exacerbated by the COVID-19 global pandemic. IOC is committed to promoting literacy and education in Afghanistan. IOC operates the Mir Mohammad Youssof Vocational School in Jalalabad, where co-education classes are offered. There are Nine classrooms, along with separate restroom facilities and a medical clinic that was added in 2005 with the help of Relief International. We’re hopeful that as additional facilities are constructed and annual donor commitments are received, the number of students will increase. Additionally, one of the criteria for enrolling families into the Widow Sponsorship program is for them to agree to send their children to school. The widows themselves are encouraged to participate in vocational training so they could learn a needed trade such as tailoring. The ultimate goal is to make these families self-sufficient.