Education International

ATROAfghan Teachers' Rights Observatory

Testimony

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

At work, we face many problems. High officials impose significant restrictions on us. Female teachers in particular have no personal freedoms. I am unsatisfied with my current situation, the wage is irregular, low, and often received in fragmented portions. Sometimes I doubt whether our profession is respected.

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.

Anonymous, Female Teacher

When the Taliban regime took over the country everything changed. Ministries closed, banks closed, public services were not available, schools were closed, business was paused, and universities also closed.

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.