Education International

ATROAfghan Teachers' Rights Observatory

Testimony

Farzaneh, a female teacher in a girls’ school for over 20 years in Samangan

I am profoundly disturbed by the closure of girls' schools beyond the 6th grade, depriving them of their right to education.

Teaching brings me joy, particularly as I teach English. Witnessing the eagerness of my students to learn when I am at school is truly rewarding. The girls show remarkable enthusiasm and interest in their lessons.

It is truly disheartening that their opportunity to learn is being squashed. It is a great shame.

More Testimonies

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

All my 9th grade students are struggling under very difficult circumstances. I myself have a salary of 9,000 afghanis (123 USD). This is unsustainable. Life is very bitter for me and my family.

Shahira, a female teacher for 3 years in a secondary school in Balkh

Teachers should have the right to join a professional association or education union and the union should have a legal right to negotiate on behalf of teachers on all professional matters, on professional autonomy and freedom.

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.