With the recent events and beginning development of Afghanistan, it came to PBI's attention that an International School is not only in high demand in Kabul, but is a key component to the success of the future of this renewing country. An International School offers at least three significant benefits that will help bring about the goals of the current Afghan administration:

• Quality education for English speaking families living in Afghanistan and throughout South-Central Asia. This will directly affect the influx of businesses and companies that desire to establish factories, businesses, and invest money in the economy of Afghanistan.
• The diplomatic community and the staff of humanitarian aid efforts (NGOs) need an international school in order for their key members to stay in Afghanisan long-term.
• Thirdly, as many returning Afghans are eager to be a part of the rebuilding of their homeland; they desire their children to continue their studies in English speaking institutions like those to which they have become accustomed. The presence of an International School will encourage families to return, offering a level of education that will prepare them for higher education in Afghanistan or abroad.

We strongly believe in the power of teamwork and partnerships in order to accomplish our goals and for this project, we are proud to work together with Oasis International Schools. OASIS International Schools (www.Oasis.org or see www.iskafghan.org) established its first school in 1983, and specializes in setting up international schools around the world. OASIS operates seventeen such schools in thirteen countries at this time. The mission of OASIS is to establish a worldwide network of international schools staffed by qualified educators, instilling in each student a values-based worldview in an environment of academic excellence and respect for people of all cultures and religions.

Through the combined effort of PBI and OASIS, Kabul International Academy was officially opened in September of 2003, with an initial enrollment of eight students that grew to 24 by the end of the first school year. The second year just began on September 11th, 2004 with a new building and an enrollment of almost 60 children, grades 1-10.

PBI and OASIS believe that the future of Afghanistan is bright and both are excited to be a part of the rebuilding. Our desire is that the International School be a signficant contributor to the immediate and future success of Afghanistan. Our plans are to expand to grades K through 11, adding 12th grade in 2006..

The school has teachers from English-speaking countries and will have at least a Bachelors degree and a teacher's credential. Of utmost importance is to put the school on the fastest possible track toward full accreditation with a U.S. regional accrediting association. A U.S. diploma will be issued to graduates, allowing entrance into all universitites accepting a U.S. high school diploma for acceptance. KIA will also seek recognition by the Afghan government as an educational institution of the highest quality, preparing students to further their education at such places as the developing American University of Kabul or universities abroad.