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

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. Regrettably, we do not find it necessary to maintain affiliation with the union now.

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.

Sherin, female teacher for 7 years in a boys’ school in Herat

Female teachers like me now face the challenging situation where girls' schools have been closed, and female teachers have been relocated to distant areas. The increased pressure and the loss of privileges associated with my previous teaching career have left me very disillusioned.