Schools conduct exams on Taliban orders

GHAZNI CITY (Pajhwok): Taliban militants have given school students mid-term exams in several districts of southern Ghazni province in violation of the government’s decision on shutting schools in cold areas until December 5.

Schools, like other government entities, had been shut for several months this solar year due to the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, but they were reopened in August.

Earlier, the government had announced that primary schools would stay shut until November 21 and secondary and high schools until December 15, withmid-term examsdelayed to March 20, 2021.

However, a schoolteacher in Deh Yak district of Ghazni province, Syed Abdullah, told Pajhwok Afghan News they had conducted mid-term exams in compliance with Taliban orders.

“The Taliban ordered us to give students mid-term exams, so we did that and then closed schools on November 21,” he confirmed.

Mohammad Daud, a teacher from Andar district, also said schools in their areas were under Taliban’scontrol, with the government having little role.

“Any activities here are managed according to Taliban’s orders; so much so that teachers are recruited in line with their command,” Daudsaid, adding the fighters had ordered the annual exams be held before the new year started.

Mujib Rahman Ansar, Ghazni education director, did not confirm or deny the exams being conducted on Taliban orders.

He said they had conducted exams in cold areas before closed schools there. The annual exams would be held on schedule, as announced by the Ministry of Education, he explained.

Asked fot comments, Taliban spokesmanZabihullah Mujahidsaid they had their own education system in areas under their control.

“We don’t follow government rules in this regard. We had opened schools in April and the time was right, so we ordered giving students exams,” he said.

Mujahid said based on their education commission’s decision, schools would be reopened a month and half later and the final exams held before the next solar year.

In line with Afghanistan’s education system, schools remain open for nine months a year – with mid-term and annual examstaking place during the period.

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