Education International

ATROAfghan Teachers' Rights Observatory

Testimony

Abdul, a male teacher for 15 years in a boys’ school in Balkh

I am proud of being a teacher because we have a sacred duty, but we are not considered with respect. The salary is inadequate, and our wages have been cut by 1,000 Afghani, and living costs are huge, hindering our ability to teach effectively.

The constant fear of contract termination adds stress. Every day we fear that we can be dismissed the next day.

The policy of not rehiring former employees exacerbates the uncertainty of our profession. A teacher's salary falls short of sustaining a decent life. There should at least be benefits such as shopping discounts, money-saving services, and free insurance protection.

I am also very angry that the girls' schools have been closed, as I firmly believe in every girl's right to education.

More Testimonies

Anonymous, female teacher

As a teacher, I have seen many problems with my own eyes. In the republican system, my life and that of all female teachers was in danger. Teachers were threatened with death and acid was thrown on them.

Anonymous

Although the Taliban’s education minister had promised that Afghan teachers’ salaries would increase, there are many problems. The Taliban’s policy of not allowing male teachers to teach girls and female teachers to teach boys has made things worse.

Mawlana, a male teacher for 3 years in a secondary boys’ school in Samangan

In recent months, the situation has not been easy. What gives me energy is seeing how important education is for Afghan citizens. I am totally in favour of girls being able to go to school and women being able to teach like men. I am a member of a trade union and I see what they do to defend teachers like me.