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.

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

Zahra, a female teacher in a secondary girls’ school in Nangarhar

High officials impose significant restrictions on us. Female teachers in particular have no personal freedoms. Sometimes I doubt whether our profession is respected.