About Setaragan Zirak School
Discover our mission, values, and commitment to educational excellence that has shaped generations of successful students.
From Humble Beginnings to Educational Excellence
The story of Setaragan Zirak School begins thirty years ago in the village of Zirak, located in the Jaghori district of Ghazni province, where severe obstacles blocked access to education.
Tackling Educational Challenges: A Vision For Progress
Boys had to endure a grueling three-hour journey on difficult terrain to reach the sole school in the area, situated in the village of Angori. For girls, attending school was virtually impossible due to cultural restrictions and a lack of transportation. These barriers deprived many children of their basic right to education.
A Transformative Effort: Founding Salehi Zirak School
In 1990, Mr. Ezzatullah Salehi, a native of Zirak, took decisive action to address this dire situation. After returning from the United States and witnessing the community's deep desire for education, he established the Salehi Zirak School in collaboration with local teachers. This initiative marked a pivotal moment in the educational history of the region.
Initially, the school operated under challenging conditions, with classes held in temporary tents beneath the shade of trees. Despite these limitations, it began by offering education up to the third grade. As infrastructure developed, the school expanded to include grades up to the ninth, ultimately transforming into a comprehensive high school.
Thanks to its strategic location, Salehi Zirak School attracted students from neighboring villages such as Mohajerin, Bosayed, and Loman. The school adopted an inclusive model with separate shifts: morning classes for girls and afternoon classes for boys. Mr. Salehi fully funded the construction and teacher salaries for the 48-classroom facility.
Expanding Educational Opportunities
Over time, a Swedish charity began supporting the primary education of girls (grades one through six), while Mr. Salehi continued to fund the remaining sections of the school. This partnership helped break down numerous cultural and economic barriers, creating a welcoming environment for girls' education. To date, thousands of students—both male and female—have graduated from Salehi Zirak School. Many have pursued higher education across various fields, contributing significantly to the social and economic development of the region.
Specialized Educational And Reinforcement Programs
Salehi Zirak School has implemented customized programs to enhance learning opportunities for its students:
A New Era: Setaragan Zirak School
In 2019, Azizullah Paeyndeh established the Setaragan Zirak School with financial support from the Zirak Charity Foundation, based in Colorado, USA. Drawing inspiration from the success of Salehi Zirak School, Setaragan Zirak School is committed to fostering innovation, inclusivity, and technology-driven education.
Despite significant challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and regional instability, the school has achieved noteworthy progress. Its core objectives include: Eliminating gender-based disparities in education, identifying and nurturing talents, and fostering leadership and civic responsibility among students.
Why We Exist & Where We're Going
Our mission drives our daily actions, while our vision guides our long-term commitment to educational excellence.
Our Mission
To provide equitable, high-quality education that empowers students and their families by removing barriers and promoting inclusivity.
- • Eliminating gender-based disparities in education
- • Identifying and nurturing student talents
- • Fostering leadership and civic responsibility
- • Implementing innovative pedagogical approaches
Our Vision
To foster positive social change, eliminate inequalities, and cultivate a lifelong culture of learning and civic responsibility for sustainable development.
“Quality education is the only path to the salvation of nations” - a principle that guides our commitment to shaping a brighter, more equitable future for generations to come.
What We Stand For
Our core values guide every decision and shape the character of our educational community.
Gender Equality
Our motto is to teach and implement gender equality to our students inside the school and through them, in the community.
Women Empowerment
We provide different activities for our female students to have access to various opportunities and resources.
Poverty Reduction
Our efforts are concentrated on children who do not have the financial capacity to attend school, believing education is the only way to reduce poverty.
Quality Education
We are committed to providing affordable, high-quality education implementing principles of innovation in pedagogy and Sustainable Development Goals.
School History & Milestones
From humble beginnings to educational excellence — discover our journey of growth and achievement.
Adapting to Challenges
Despite restrictions on girls' education, the school continues offering practical skills courses including English, computer skills, painting, sewing, and literacy programs for the community, especially women.
Winter Programs & COVID Response
Organized comprehensive winter programs: 530 students (2019), 320 female students grades 7-12 (2020), with Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and English courses, including online classes during COVID-19.
Setaragan Zirak School Established
Azizullah Paeyndeh founded Setaragan Zirak School with support from the Zirak Charity Foundation, based in Colorado, USA, bringing innovation and technology-driven education to continue the legacy.
International Partnership & Expansion
A Swedish charity began supporting primary education for girls (grades 1-6), while the school attracted students from neighboring villages like Mohajerin, Bosayed, and Loman with separate shifts for boys and girls.
Salehi Zirak School Founded
Mr. Ezzatullah Salehi established the first school in Zirak village, starting with classes in temporary tents beneath trees, eventually growing to a comprehensive high school with 48 classrooms serving thousands of students.
Empowering Women And Youth
Setaragan Zirak School places a strong emphasis on empowerment and practical skill development for our community.
Key Initiatives
Literacy courses for mothers
Enabling them to acquire essential reading and writing skills.
Sewing workshops for women
Many have successfully launched small businesses with the school's support, including the provision of tools such as sewing machines and essential supplies.
COVID-19 Response Programs
For students impacted by the pandemic, the school offered remedial programs and free training in computer skills, painting, photography, calligraphy, and English language, equipping them with valuable skills for personal and professional growth.
Empowering Through Education & Skills
Our comprehensive programs focus on both academic excellence and practical skill development for students and the community.
Academic Excellence Programs
Specialized courses designed to prepare students for higher education and university entrance exams.
- • Physics, Chemistry & Mathematics intensive courses
- • University entrance exam (Konkur) preparation
- • Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills
- • Academic mentorship and guidance
Empowerment & Life Skills
Comprehensive programs focused on practical skills, language development, and women's empowerment.
- • English language training and communication
- • Computer skills and digital literacy
- • Sewing workshops and entrepreneurship
- • Literacy programs for mothers and community
Winter Educational Programs (2019-2021)
During challenging times, we provided free educational support to hundreds of students:
First-Generation Graduate Testimonials
Hear from our first graduates about how Zirak High School shaped their lives and futures.
Nooria
Graduate
“Zirak high school has formed a fundamental part of my early education. Growing up in a traditional society in a war-torn country, school was the hope for a brighter future for many young girls like me. I would go to school smiling and come home happy and positive every day.”
Mohammad Hossein Hemat
Project Manager
“In a very critical situation where there was a lack of school in Jaghori, Ghazni that had made the generation before me illiterate, Zirak High School was built. The facilities in suitable atmosphere of the school created enthusiasm and motivation in me and many others to study and try hard.”
Mohammad Jalil Ebrahimi
Graduate
“Zirak High School has played a very crucial and valuable role for me in my journey of life. I would like to express my thanks and appreciation for the honest, most treasured, and compassionate efforts that Zirak High School and Mr. Ezatullah Salehi have done for me and all people like me.”
Ready to Join Our Community?
Discover how Setaragan Zirak School can provide your child with an exceptional educational experience.