KABUL (SW) – With the closure of girls’ schools beyond the sixth grade in Afghanistan, many girls who have turned to online education remained concerned about their futures.
Hadiya Sarwari, 17, from Kabul, who was in the 10th grade when schools were shut, now finds herself at home with all her dreams.
Hadiya says: “This is very upsetting for us because we tried very hard, but we are not given any official certificates. If our schools were open today, we could attend in person and continue our studies without facing these situations. Although we understand that no certificates are being issued, education should still be registered and documented.”
Currently in an online school for the 12th grade, Hadiya is worried that she might not receive her high school diploma from the Ministry of Education. While she is glad to continue her education online, she finds it challenging and mentally stressful.
Some of other such girls engaged in online classes, told Salam Watandar that the unsuitable environment makes it difficult for them to concentrate on their online classes.
Fatima Azizi, 18-year-old, from Herat, who is in the 11th grade in an online school, explained, “We are in a different physical situation where there are constant distractions like the TV noise and younger children playing around. It is much harder to focus on online education compared to in-person classes because in-person we are directly present and engaged. Online learning is less effective.”
Additionally, 13-year-old Hadiya Sultani, a 7th grader in an online school in Mazar-e-Sharif, Balkh, agree: “Even though I study online, I am always worried about whether I can learn well or if I will always have access to the internet. Looking ahead, I’m unsure if I will be able to go to university. The uncertain situation in our country makes me feel hopeless, but I still try to stay positive and nurture optimistic dreams.”
Some instructors teaching at online classes are also facing numerous challenges. They cite internet issues and lack of financial support from students’ families as major obstacles in online education.
Ferishta, a teacher, told Salam Watandar that the interaction present in in-person education cannot be replicated in the online environment. “While online education offers benefits like easy access and flexibility, the direct interaction that occurs in face-to-face learning cannot be fully achieved online. This shows that online education alone cannot fully cover all aspects of learning provided in an in-person setting,” she added.
Another teacher Salwa Mohammadi, also said: “The major challenges we face while teaching online include technical issues such as system outages and occasional lack of financial support, as many families cannot afford the necessary equipment for their children.”
In addition, some education activists argue that online education can never fully replace in-person learning.
Jamaluddin Sulaimani, an education activist, stated: “Online classes can never replace in-person classes due to issues like electricity and internet problems. Additionally, students in Afghanistan often have to work. Overall, online learning cannot substitute for physical classroom education.”
The Ministry of Education under the ruling of the de-facto Islamic Emirate government has not disclosed the number of girls deprived of education in the past three years. However, Mansoor Ahmad Hamza, the ministry’s spokesperson, said in recent weeks that girls’ schools beyond the sixth grade will remain closed until further notice.
“Mr. Mujahid has explained this matter; we are content with this decision and will wait for further orders.”
According to the latest statistics from the United States Embassy in Afghanistan, 80% of girls in the country lack access to education. This comes as Shah Mohammad Abbas Stanekzai, Deputy Political Minister for Foreign Affairs of the de-facto government, recently emphasized that “education development” is crucial for any country’s growth.
