Balkh University
Balkh University stands as a vital Afghan educational institution with a diverse Faculty of Engineering, and we at the Society of Afghan Engineers actively engage with its leadership to thoughtfully assess and help fulfill their critical needs for technical support, laboratory equipment, and student scholarships.
Background
As part of our ongoing mission at the Society of Afghan Engineers (SAE) to enhance the technical capacity of professionals in Afghanistan, we have actively fostered connections with higher education institutions across the country, including Balkh University. We believe that supporting the educational foundation of future engineers and scientists is critical to the sustainable development and reconstruction of our homeland.
Understanding Balkh University’s Engineering Landscape
To effectively provide support and technical services, we make it a priority to understand the specific capabilities and demographics of the institutions we engage with. As a prominent public university in Afghanistan, Balkh University plays a vital role in educating the next generation of technical experts. The Faculty of Engineering at the university comprises several specialized departments, including Chemical Technology, Hydrotechnical Infrastructures, and Physics & Mathematics.
The university serves a robust and diverse student body. As of 2022, the Faculty of Engineering supported 1,267 students, which notably included 450 female engineering students. The academic programs are guided by 29 lecturers, including four who hold Ph.D. degrees, three with master’s degrees, and the remainder holding Bachelor of Science degrees. We are also encouraged by the inclusion of women in academia, with six female lecturers serving on the engineering staff.
Direct Engagement and Needs Assessment
Our direct engagement with Balkh University was facilitated by our dedicated representatives on the ground. In May and June of 2022, our SAE representative in Afghanistan, Mr. Walid Howaida, visited the Balkh University campus to formally introduce SAE, discuss our organizational background, and outline our capacity for providing assistance.
During these visits, we held productive meetings with key academic leaders, including Prof. Shahab, the Dean of Engineering, and Mr. Ghulam Sarwar Mubarez, the Dean of Science. Our discussions with the university’s leadership focused heavily on identifying the specific areas where SAE can provide the most meaningful technical support. The leadership at Balkh University expressed a critical need for enhanced classroom facilities, vital laboratory equipment, and scholarships to support their engineering students.
Fostering Global Academic Connections
We recognize that the progress of higher education in Afghanistan relies heavily on collaborative networks and international exposure. We have supported broader international efforts to elevate the university’s programs, such as the established working relationship between the Faculty of Engineering at Balkh University and the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) in Thailand. These types of alliances are crucial for connecting Afghan students and faculty with institutions in the developed world.
At SAE, we aim to complement these global engagements by utilizing the vast expertise of our members to advocate for resource allocation, provide technical guidance, and explore avenues to fulfill the laboratory and scholarship needs expressed by the Balkh University leadership. We have been committed to keeping the lines of communication open with the university to ensure that our future engineers receive the quality education they deserve.