PAKTIA (SW): Efforts have been underway to reopen 13 girls’ schools in the Zarmat district of Paktia which have been closed for four years, and the Taliban have agreed to let these schools re-open. However, the schools are still closed due to lack of female teachers.
Shamim Khan Katawazi, governor of Paktia told Salam Watandar that talks with the Taliban are being held with the mediation of tribal elders to identify the reasons for the closure of these schools and to reopen them as soon as possible.
Hafizullah Mubarez, a member of the provincial council in Paktia said that only Zarmat schools are not closed to students, in other districts, dozens of schools have also remained closed.
Kochi Zazi, head of Directorate of Education in Zarmat district told Salam Watandar that another reason for the closure of these schools is the shortage of female teachers in these districts. According to him, female teachers have been reluctant to teach in these schools due to fear of Taliban attack on these schools.
Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for Taliban also said that the reason for the closure of these schools is the lack of female teachers. He added that they have asked the authorities of Directorate of Education to hire female teachers for these schools.
Zarmat district is the largest and most populated district in Paktia. There are 63 schools in this district, however, more than half of these schools lack proper infrastructure.
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