KABUL (SW) – A recent survey by Salam Watandar highlights a significant disconnect between the fields of study and the professions of young Afghans.
Despite the high demand for educated individuals in Afghanistan, many graduates find themselves working in jobs unrelated to their degrees, which diminishes the potential contributions of skilled professionals, leading to a decrease in organizations’ working standards.
The survey, which included responses from 112 young people across various provinces, reveals that 31.2% of the respondents are unemployed, 23.3% are working outside their field of study, and 45.5% have secured jobs in line with their field of study.
Abdul Wares, a 26-year-old law and political science graduate, lamented: “I graduated three years ago, but I still haven’t been able to find a job in my field. The conditions in Afghanistan have prevented me from achieving my goals.”
Hasiba, who holds a master’s degree in law, expressed similar frustrations: “I am very happy to have completed my studies in this field, but it’s disappointing that there are no job opportunities available, and I am currently unemployed.”
The survey findings indicate a stark mismatch between the educational paths of young people and available job opportunities, making it challenging for many to enter the workforce in their chosen fields.
Hasina, 22, shared her experience: “Due to a lack of job opportunities in my field, I have taken a job unrelated to my studies. I work as an assistant director at a school. I tried hard to find a position related to my education, but when I saw how difficult it was, I decided to work outside my field of study.”
Hamid, a law graduate, also agreed: “This is a specialized field, but I’m currently working in a different area because there are no job openings in law.”
Despite these challenges, the survey found that 45.5% of educated youths have been able to find jobs in line with their degrees.
Emran, who earned his bachelor’s degree in engineering, shared his experience: “I struggled to find a job in my field, but I am satisfied with my studies because engineering was my passion. Now I am working in this field and enjoying my job.”
Rizwan, a graduate in medicine, stated, “Based on my capabilities in this field, I chose to become a doctor. I am currently working according to my profession and take pride in my work.”
Family pressure influences educational choices among Afghan youths
The survey conducted by Salam Watandar examined the extent of family influence on the educational choices of young Afghans. Among the 112 participants, 89.3% chose their fields of study based on personal interest, while 10.7% made their selections according to family wishes.
Farida, who chose her field of study independently, expressed that her autonomy in making this choice helped her pursue her studies with passion. “I selected my field of study based on my interests and have been fond of it for a long time. I am very happy to have studied in a field I love,” she said.
Edris also shared his experience: “I was completely free in choosing my field of study because I had a strong interest in it, and it has a broad job market. Now that I have graduated, I am very satisfied with my choice.”
However, some families directly influence their children’s educational paths.
Samir, an engineering student, mentioned, “I chose this field at my family’s request. While I should have selected a field I liked, I followed the family tradition because most of my relatives are engineers.”
Rizwan echoed similar sentiments, saying, “My choice was largely based on my father’s wishes. I wanted to study economics, but my father wanted me to pursue international relations.”
Shayesta, who graduated in midwifery six years ago, shared her frustration: “My father chose midwifery for me. It was a family decision, and I was opposed to it, so I do not feel satisfied with my studies in this field.”
Sociologists emphasize that young people who select their fields based on personal interests and abilities tend to succeed in life and social activities. Sociologist Omid Afghan stated: “When young individuals choose a field based on their abilities and interests, they gain more motivation to study and progress, creating a society with specialists in various sectors.”
Psychologist Mohammadullah warned that family interference in educational choices can demotivate young individuals. “A person experiences stress throughout their life. Their motivation decreases if they are forced to study in a field they dislike solely to satisfy their family. This can lead to unemployment in the future.”
In light of the high unemployment rates in Afghanistan, Samiullah Ebrahimi, spokesperson for the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, stated that efforts continue to create job opportunities for educated youth in their respective fields. He noted: “The Islamic Emirate is working to appoint individuals in administrative positions who have studied in those areas. It focuses on youth with higher education or specific skills.”
Many young Afghans find themselves studying fields that do not align with their personal interests or market needs. Experts believe this disconnect contributes to unemployment among some youth, while causing decreased motivation and psychological stress among others.
