Education International

ATROAfghan Teachers' Rights Observatory

Testimony

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

I have been teaching English, history, geography, and Dari in this school as a volunteer for three years. Despite not receiving salary, I always tried to be able to convey what I know to others. While I am passionate about teaching, I aspire to secure regular pay, improved working conditions, and job security.

In addition to financial considerations, I think that teachers should be able to participate in educational policy decision making. 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.

More Testimonies

Zahra, a female teacher in a secondary girls’ school in Nangarhar

High officials impose significant restrictions on us. Female teachers in particular have no personal freedoms. Sometimes I doubt whether our profession is respected.

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

Female teachers are treated as if we were toys or mere pawns. One day, we are asked to sign, and the next day, we are told not to come to school. The frustration witnessed through the eyes of our students is beyond words, filled with sadness and resentment. This has been our reality for a year.

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.