Education International

ATROAfghan Teachers' Rights Observatory

Testimony

Dunya, a female teacher for 15 years in a girls’ school in Badakhashan

I am angry about the closure of schools for girls beyond the 12th grade and the reduction of salaries for bachelor teachers like me.

The teachers' union, unfortunately, has not been addressing the issues faced by educators. Regrettably, we do not find it necessary to maintain affiliation with the union now. Currently, it seems safer to relinquish union membership.

More Testimonies

Roya, a female teacher in a boys’ school in the Badakhashan province

Unfortunately, our educational environment lacks basic facilities and textbooks. Beyond the classroom, families neglect the division of household chores, and students, engaged in work outside school, struggle to focus on their studies.

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.

Anonymous, Male Teacher

Where the Taliban ruled, there were no schools at all, and if there were, only boys were allowed to go to school and girls were deprived.