19-year-old Nabila of the Afghanistan Newsroom explains how youngsters in poor rural areas struggle to get an education
An outdoor class provided by educational charity Today Child Mobile School in Kabul, Afghanistan.
March 13, 2025
Education is vital for Afghanistan’s youth, especially in rural areas
In Afghanistan’s rural areas, education is a rare treasure often out of reach due to isolation, poverty and cultural barriers. A UNESCO report from 2024 reveals that 1.4 million Afghan girls have been denied schooling, with 1.1 million fewer children attending school compared to 2020, before the Taliban took over.
Yet, education remains a beacon of hope for change for those in Afghanistan, offering the potential for a better future for both individuals and communities.
In Ahmad Shah Baba Mina in the capital, Kabul, 16-year-old Fatima Ahmadi dreams of becoming a doctor. But she faces challenges daily: “There are no buses to take us to school, and the roads are very poor,” she says, describing her five-mile walk to Spin Ghar High School. “Many families here can’t afford the costs of education, like school fees and books.”
Fatima’s situation is not unique, showcasing the barriers faced by Afghan families at every step.
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Ahmad, a 17-year-old male student at Shaheed Karzai High School in Kandahar province, shares similar struggles. “Many students can’t make it to school because the roads are dangerous and families can’t afford travel costs,” he says.
Ahmad’s school also lacks essential resources such as textbooks and computers. “We don’t have the tools to advance our education. It’s tough.”
While Ahmad’s challenges are weighty, they are compounded for girls such as Fatima. Cultural norms, as well as the Taliban’s ban on education for girls,often prevent them from attending school, especially when it involves travelling long distances.
“The biggest obstacle is the lack of transportation and social restrictions on girls,” says Fatima. “Many families don’t allow their daughters to travel far for school.”
These barriers are particularly evident with the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, which has left 1.4 million girls without access to education. For many rural youth, including Fatima and Ahmad, their dreams of a brighter future are at risk.
Despite the obstacles, education remains a powerful tool for transformation. Educated youth can drive positive change in their communities, improving everything from agriculture to healthcare.
Ahmad believes that education can help rural areas thrive. “If we had better schools and resources, we could help improve our farming methods, protect the environment, and even start our own businesses,” he says.
Fatima echoes this belief, emphasising the need for better opportunities.
“If I become a leader, I will create free schools and online learning centres for girls in rural areas,” she says. “Education is the only way to improve our lives and communities.”
The need for action is urgent. Both Fatima and Ahmad, and children like them, are determined to overcome the barriers to education, but they need international aid.
“I hope organizations provide scholarships and learning materials for girls,” Fatima says. Ahmad adds, “We need schools closer to our villages and better facilities for learning.”
Education is the key to a better future for Afghanistan’s rural youth. Addressing the barriers to learning – transportation, resources, and cultural norms – can create lasting change. By supporting these students, we can ensure that no one is left behind, and that the next generation has the tools to build a brighter future for Afghanistan.
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