KHOST CITY (Pajhwok): Tribal elders have decided to fine the families barring daughters from going to school in the Musakhel district of southeastern Khost province, an official said on Sunday.
Haji Mandayar Mangal, an influential resident of the district, told Pajhwok Afghan News the decision came at a gathering of tribal leaders, religious scholars and youth.
He said a fine of 5,000 afghanis would be imposed on the family that stopped girls from attending school. Cash fine could help resolve the issue, the participants agreed.
But Gulab Mangal, Musakhel district’s administrative chief, said there was no school for girls in the town and the decision would pave the way for educational facilities.
About 2,000 girls are currently studying together with boys in primary schools and the number would hopefully double to 4,000, he said.
The agreement would help girls continue higher education, believed the district chief, who hailed the tribal elders’ decision as a positive step.
Naseer Ahmad, Khost education director, said the decision would improve the education sector in the province. But such improvement would not be easy without donor support, he remarked.
As many as 300,000 students, including 120,000 girls, are studying at 396 schools across the province.
mz/sa/mud
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