Education in Afghanistan

Afghanistan is a place that many associate with war, poverty and oppression. But behind the news and political developments, we must not forget what actually makes the country tick: its people, their tireless strength despite decades of conflict and their aspirations for a better future.

The dramatic crises in Afghanistan cannot be ignored: the collapse of the economy, the collapse of the financial and health care systems, years of extreme drought, the Taliban’s seizure of power and the ensuing sanctions have deprived millions of people of their livelihoods. Children have suffered especially: hunger, little access to clean drinking water, deadly diseases and an increase in child labour are just some of the consequences. More than half of the population, some 23 million people, can no longer afford food.

At the same time, under the de facto government, one human rights violation follows the next. The rights of women and girls to work, to access education and to clothe themselves as they choose have been massively restricted. They are only allowed to travel or go to the doctor when accompanied by a male chaperone. They are forbidden from visiting parks and beauty salons, and from engaging in sport. Women are increasingly being excluded from public life, and their safety is increasingly under threat.

These are crises that can be disheartening in their magnitude. But right now, it is more important than ever not to leave the civilian population to its own devices, because it continues to fight day after day – teachers who are still in the classroom even after months without pay due to state funds that have been frozen abroad. Parents and students who, although they lack everything, are asserting their right to education and striving for a self-determined future. And last but not least, our colleagues in Afghan NGOs who, despite massive dangers and insecurities, are working tirelessly to carry out their mission, negotiating with the de facto authorities and reaching as many children as they can.

‘I am a girl, but I still have the same right as a man to contribute to and improve our society. For that, I need education,’ as Afia* summarises it at the elementary school in Kabul.

Education is the key to freedom. It enables people to look beyond their circumstances and envision a better future. It strengthens the voices of women and girls, even when people are trying to push them into the shadows. If we want to break the cycles of poverty and violence, we must invest in education.

Therefore, every day that we can remain active in Afghanistan with Visions for Children e.V. alongside our courageous colleagues and with support from our generous donors in Germany is a win. While institutional donors sometimes withdraw or suspend funding, the role of private individuals, like the members who sustain our work on a monthly basis, is all the more important and we are grateful for every single person showing solidarity with the Afghan civilian population. This conviction gives us the strength to fight for this to continue.

*Names of students have been changed for their safety.