The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) expressed its concerns over the closure of schools for female students beyond grade six, saying that over one million children are facing an uncertain future.
The organization asked international donors to continue their support to education for girls.
“We are in a primary school for girls (in) south of Kabul, and we are here to send a very clear message to the world to the donor community: Don’t give up on the education for girls in Afghanistan. These girls who are studying in primary schools are the hope of this country and they need our help now,” said Paloma Escudero, UNICEF Director for Global Communication and Advocacy.
“In one week alone, more than 50 girls and boys have lost their lives in a series of heinous grave rights violations in Afghanistan,” he said, adding that the figures are expected to rise.
He also said that Violence against children, in all its forms, must stop now. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education said that the schools for girls in grades 7-12 will be reopened in the near future. “UNICEF promised to help the Ministry of Education in providing salaries for teachers. Also, the money will flow into accounts thay will prevent the existence of fake teachers,” said Aziz Ahmad Riyan, spokesman for the Ministry of Education.
Female students above grade six have been deprived of education since last week of March.
Meanwhile, teachers expressed frustration over the delay in their payments.
“Depriving girls from education and closing their schools have affected the government as well because it has been working on how to reopen the schools, but they are yet to find a solution. We ask the Islamic Emirate to reopen the schools for girls as soon as possible,” said Omarzada, a teacher.
“The Islamic Emirate promised to pay the salaries of all teachers every month, but we have not been paid our properly over the last few months,” said Samra, a teacher.—Tolo News
