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135 (3) To establish primary and secondary schools in the provinces, and to spread literacy among the masses. In spite of the crippling effects of the revolution and many economic difficulties, the Government gradually and successfully forged ahead with its programme until the out-break of World War II which again brought all activities, especially in the field of education, to a standstill. Most of the foreign teachers (Germans, and Italians) were forced to leave Afghanistan. Books and teaching matericals were difficult to obtain, and what could be procured was not enough. The result was that further expansion was not possible and fewer students were admitted into the school. After the War, the Ministry of Education carefully reviewed its plans and began implementing its programmes in earnest. Here is a summary of what the Ministry is attempting to accomplish: (1) To strengthen the teachers' training schools, administratively and educationally; (2) To make primary and secondary school programmes more functional in character; (3) To strengthen technical, commercial and agricultural schools; (4) To strengthen the Faculties of Letters and Science for the training of secondary schools teachers; (5) To engage the services of national and foreign experts; (6) To complete existing school buildings and to lay foundations for new ones; (7) To increase the number of primary schools and to strengthen them in every way;