States affected by conflict are far from achieving the Education for All goals, and "capacity development" is frequently proposed as the solution to their difficulties. This book investigates the challenges that war-torn Afghanistan faces in rebuilding its education sector. Case studies of capacity development partnerships between Afghanistan's Ministry of Education and two UN agencies, an NGO consortium, and an education donor, explore efforts to strengthen the country's education system. Based on the case studies, a number of key lessons are highlighted, including the importance of high-level political backing, taking time to build trusting partnerships, focusing on institutional development, putting process and procedures before products, and sustaining education aid in order to achieve national development objectives.