Students excited as varsities reopen after 6 months

KABUL (Pajhwok): Publish universities across the country have reopened after a six-month closure, with a number of students enthusiastically attending their classes.

Public universities in Afghanistan’s cold areas, including Kabul, reopened Saturday to both male and female students.

Pajhwok Afghan News reporter Vida Frotan filed a special report on the reopening of universities and interviewed a number of Kabul University students.

Maryam Mehr, a student of the journalism faculty at the Kabul University told Pajhwok she was very happy returning to lessons.

“Six months ago, when the regime changed, my dreams were shattered and I though the Islamic Emirate would not allow us to study. But today, our frustration is over. I’m happy being able to resume my studies and pursue a bright future.”

She stressed: “We had no hope of restarting our studies at all. But when the university reopened, we found new hope for our future and our goals.”

Maryam hoped problems linked to the shortage of teachers would be solved as soon as possible and their classes would continue uninterrupted.

Ayesha, another student, was equally happy with the resumption of classes. She expected a brilliant future for herself and other young people.

“Today, the course schedule was a little different and we are happy about that. Observing hijab right from the word go, we are still wearing it. Thank God, our lessons have restarted and girls are not deprived of education,” she remarked.

Ayesha said the shortage of teachers could be seen in the university because a number of professors had gone abroad after last year’s political change in the country.

A fourth-year student at the Faculty of Law and Political Science, Wahidullah said: “Today is the first day of our return to the university. We see many students coming to classes again. The situation is normal and we hope there will be no more interruptions.”

He also spoke about the shortage of teachers and urged lecturers and professors, who have gone abroad, to return to the country, live a dignified life in their homeland and serve their people.

Rahimullah Nadeem, in charge of the Kabul University media office, said public-sector universities had reopened in line with the promise held out by the Ministry of Higher Education.

According to him, Kabul University offers courses in three shifts. He said night classes had also begun and would continue as before.

The Taliban have promised several times they will allow girls and women to be educated, but only in segregated classes.

At least 19 universities and educational institutes have reopened, according to the Ministry of Higher Education.

sa/mud