Taliban keeps girls' schools closed

Secondary schools for girls in Afghanistan closed for 7 months. Then, they reopened. But after a few hours, the Taliban closed them again.

Afghanistan was in Taliban control from 1996 to 2001. Then, girls had no education. The Taliban took control again in 2021. This time, primary schools for girls opened. But secondary schools stayed closed.

Students were happy about secondary schools reopening. Satayesh, a grade 12 student, was hopeful.

Satayesh Hamdard: "I am feeling very happy that the schools are open today. We came to our school with a lot of happiness, and I am hoping that our school remains open until the end of the year. We are hopeful that we could start this year with happiness and joy, with a new thought. And I hope, hope they don't disappoint us."

This happiness didn't last long. The schools closed again the same day. The education ministry didn't give any clear information. Many people think important Taliban leaders closed the schools again.

Women and girls were angry. Some showed the Taliban government how unfair the situation is. Education is a right for everyone.

Laila Basim: "Taliban should open the girls' schools because women are half part of the society. Taliban cannot oppress the women of Afghanistan."

Nawesa: "It's in our Prophet's sayings, everyone has given us this right. But Taliban has taken away this right from us. Education is our right."

The Taliban needs other countries' help. These countries want education for girls to continue. Some countries offered to pay for teachers. Sahar wants to continue her education.

Sahar Mohammadi: "When the Islamic Emirate say we must live according to Islamic laws, they need to please open the schools. Because it is in the Quran that both men and women are allowed to continue their education and study."

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