Nine years later and under the leadership of Azizullah Royesh, Marefat High School had become one of the brightest educational stars in Afghanistan.  It was recognized as a nationwide role model for educating both girls and boys in a progressive, advanced curriculum, and for helping give Afghanistan a better chance for peace through youth education.  Captain Zellem knew he had found the right place in Marefat High School, and the right teacher in Azizullah Royesh. 

      Azizullah agreed to edit Captain Zellem's book in his spare time.  He also developed an unprecedented  new art project for  Marefat's Art Department:  illustrating Zellem's bilingual manuscript of Afghan Proverbs as part of the creative arts curriculum at MHS.  

       When they were finished, the students of MHS were proud to have accomplished a world-first.  40,000 copies of the first edition of Zarbul Masalha: 151 Afghan Dari Proverbs were published by a local Kabul printer.  Under Azizullah's leadership, MHS students then distributed the books to over 200 schools nationwide across Afghanistan.  Afghan Proverbs soon became part of the curriculum in these schools for teaching English and Dari. 

       The book was so popular among Afghan educators and students that even the legendary author, historian and educator Nancy Dupree asked for 250 copies of Zarbul Masalha for her renowned Afghanistan Centre at Kabul University.  Azizullah Royesh and Marefat High School had made a unique, courageous mark for education and literacy in one of the most dangerous educational environments in the world. 

       Learn more about Azizullah Royesh and Marefat High School in the award-winning Afghan Proverbs collection, now available in 15 languages.