(link) The new Bibi Fatima Zahra School for Orphans was dedicated by Mr. Ehsan Bayat, Bayat Foundation Chairman, on Friday, 30 Oct, 2009. The Faryab Provincial Governor, the head of the school for orphans, high ranking local dignitaries and many of the orphans who will attend school there attended the ceremony, which marked the handover of the building to the local authority that runs the school for orphans. This is the sixth new or reconstructed school for orphans built as part of the Bayat Foundation’s commitment to Afghanistan’s children.

Bibi Fatima School for Orphans is located in Maimana, in the northern Afghan province of Faryab. With a total area of 13,000 square feet, the modern building consists of 12 classrooms, conference rooms, a management room, a dining room, an information room, a store, a laboratory, modern toilets, an advanced drainage system and an electrical system that meets international standards. It is designed to house 350 orphans who will attend classes in a proper building for the first time. Construction on the facility started in March 2009 and was completed before the onset of winter. One local official said, “On behalf of the people of Faryab, we cannot begin to express our gratitude for this project. It is rare that a donor runs such a large project and delivers it in such a short time. It will provide a lasting impact for many young Afghans.”