For the first time, the population of GBAO had access and the opportunity to enter a higher education institution, without leaving their own region, especially in the early 1990s, when the university was just established.
In the early 1990s, during the Tajik Civil War, it was very dangerous, if not fatal, for Pamiri people to go to universities and other educational institutions in Dushanbe or other southern cities of Tajikistan, as they were frequently targeted by rival groups.
Approximately 4000 students are studying in 24 specializations in 8 Faculties and 19 Departments, with access to 5 science laboratories, 4 computer labs, a library and the university's scientific journal and a newspaper.
[2] Being the only higher education institution and a place for academic work and research, KhSU attracted a lot of attention both from state and non-state actors.
It was due to the contribution of AKF and the dedication of Chuck Elsey that a fully functioning Department of Foreign Languages was not only created but then turned into a national success.
Graduates of this department enjoyed a high demand for their language skills in the local and national job markets, especially with international organizations.
Two Canadians, Chuck Elsey and Karima Kara, were the founders of the Program with local staff consisting of students from the Departments of Foreign Languages and Economics.