The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) plans to start a literacy program in 20 Afghan provinces, which will benefit at least 25,000 people, said Abdullah Romal, a UNESCO official in Afghanistan.Speaking at an event in Balkh, the provincial director of education meanwhile emphasized the importance of education.Time has come for our people to forget the past and there should be serious attention [paid] to the education of our children and youth, our brothers and sisters,& said Abdul Jalil ShaheedKhel, the provincial director of education.Ibrahim Omari, literacy director at the education ministry, said that over 85,000 people were provided with literacy classes across Afghanistan in the past year.Balkh residents meanwhile welcomed efforts to roll out a literacy program.I was like a blind person but now I can read, write, speak and calculate,& said Tajor, a literacy student.The post UNESCO to launch literacy program in 20 Afghan provinces first appeared on Ariana News.