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

Seyed, a male teacher for over 20 years in a secondary boys’ school in Herat

I was happy when I was teaching the upper classes, but I have now been at home for the past two years. I firmly believe that girls should have the right to education and female teachers should be allowed to teach boys.

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.

Anonymous, female secondary school teacher, union, and women’s rights activist

I am a former provincial leader of the National Teachers’ Elected Council. At the same time, I have been a women’s rights activist for a long time, advocating for girls’ education and participation of women in different organizations. Due to my engagement with teachers’ union and women’s rights activism, I was one of the most well-known people in my city which put me in imminent danger.