Religious Schools Emerge as a Lifeline in Afghanistan's Education Crisis

Religious Schools Emerge as a Lifeline in Afghanistan's Education Crisis

Religious schools, known as madrassas, are increasingly filling the void left by Afghanistan's fractured public education system. Decades of conflict, a severe lack of resources, and the Taliban's policies—especially the ban on secondary and higher education for girls—have created a significant education crisis.

Key Aspects of the Trend:

 

 Surge in Madrassa Enrollment: Enrollment in these religious schools has surged as families seek any available form of structured learning for their children. While the curriculum is primarily focused on Islamic teachings, such as Quranic memorization and Arabic, some madrassas have begun to incorporate secular subjects like mathematics and English.

 

 Limited Options for Girls: With the public education system largely inaccessible to girls past the primary level, madrassas have become one of the few avenues for them to continue their schooling. However, critics are concerned that these institutions, while providing an option, cannot replace a comprehensive education and may primarily serve as centers for religious indoctrination.

 

 Challenges Facing the Public System: The public school system remains severely under-resourced, with a shortage of qualified teachers and an inability to meet the educational needs of the population. A UN agency reported that over 1.5 million girls have been barred from secondary school since 2021, highlighting the systemic challenges.

 

 International Response: International organizations such as UNICEF and the European Union are actively working to address the education crisis. The EU has provided significant humanitarian aid for education in emergencies, with a specific focus on supporting girls' access to learning. The UN World Food Programme (WFP) has also received a contribution from Indonesia to support a school meal program aimed at improving attendance and learning outcomes. These international efforts underscore the urgent need for a more inclusive and sustainable educational framework in Afghanistan.

I'm Aisha shehu

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