Education International

ATROAfghan Teachers' Rights Observatory

Testimony

Hamidullah, a male teacher in an Islamic school in the Balkh province

Students and teachers have a very difficult situation here. All my 9th grade students are struggling under very difficult circumstances.

I myself have a salary of 9,000 afghanis (123 USD). I have to pay 7,000 afghani to refuel my motorcycle. I have 7 children and a family to support.

This is unsustainable. Life is very bitter for me and my family.

More Testimonies

Simin, female, has been teaching for 18 years in a primary girls' school in Herat

I became a member of a teacher union because professional representation is crucial. However, our current circumstances are challenging, and I find myself extremely unhappy.

Shakila, a female teacher for over 15 years in a girls’ school in the Balkh province

I have been very unhappy for the last year due to the unsafe situation. Unfortunately, my daughters are currently not allowed to attend school, which badly impacts their morale.

Anonymous, female secondary school teacher, union, and women’s rights activist

I am a former provincial leader of the National Teachers’ Elected Council. At the same time, I have been a women’s rights activist for a long time, advocating for girls’ education and participation of women in different organizations. Due to my engagement with teachers’ union and women’s rights activism, I was one of the most well-known people in my city which put me in imminent danger.