Kabul teacher offers 150 girls above 6th grade homeschooling

KABUL (Pajhwok): Nazanin Kohistani, a teacher in Kabul with 33 years of experience, has offered 150 girls the chance to learn school subjects above sixth grade for free at her home.

Since the Islamic Emirate’s takeover on August 14, 2021, girls’ education above sixth grade has been suspended. On December 19, 2022, public and private universities were ordered to stop the education of girls and women until further notice.

After girls’ education in schools and universities was suspended, IEA officials announced they were working on a plan to resolve the issue and allow girls to resume their education. However, more than three years later, the problem remains unresolved.

Efforts to educate girls

After dedicating 33 years of her life to teaching girls, Nazanin Kohistani has transformed her home, once a place of safety, into a space for education.

She aims to ensure that girls of the country become literate and can play a significant role in society in the future.

Three years ago, she wanted to create this educational place, but initially faced opposition from her husband. Nevertheless, her determination kept her going.

In the beginning, Nazanin was helped by her two daughters in teaching, but later hired two volunteer teachers to assist her at the educational facility.

She explained the educational center offers not only religious subjects but also modern subjects, including computer studies.

Initially, all classes were held in one small room, but as the number of students increased, she decided to set up separate rooms so that each group could continue their lessons in a quieter atmosphere without distractions.

Nazanin has set special conditions at her educational center. She says anyone studying in different classes could successfully pass an exam and move up to a higher class and continue their education.

Referring to computer class, she said she has arranged two computer classes in one room so that the students could learn computer concepts in a practical way.

“I wish I could create a separate computer room with a large number of computers for my students and have a large library so that various books are available for students to read”.

This veteran teacher hopes schools will soon reopen for girls above the sixth grade.

Alongside Nazanin, there is Hamisha Osman Yar, another volunteer at this home school who teaches English and computers to students for free.

“The number of my students is increasing day by day and girls who study are diligent and hardworking”: Hamisha added.

Girls at Educational Facility Hopeful for a Brighter Future

Shiba Hashimi, a 10h grader, who has been enrolled in this homeschooling for three months, thanks her teachers for their hard work.

“We are studying in a situation where girls above sixth grade are not allowed to go to school, but I try to learn my lessons well and one day teach others”: she explained.

Other homeschooled girls, like Shiba, are happy that they have the opportunity to learn school subjects.

A Mother’s Hope for Her Children’s Brighter Future

Nadia, a resident of Khairkhana area and the mother of two girls who are currently studying here, said it is a very good move that one of the teachers has created this educational center at her home.

With her eyes filled with hope for her daughters’ future, she explained: “I am happy that every day my daughters come to this school. The girls are giving their all to secure a better future for themselves”.

She asked the government to reopen schools for girls above the sixth grade in the academic year 1404.

Educational Expert: Establishing Homeschooling Program is a Positive Step

Taqi Farhad, an educational affairs expert, praised the establishment of the educational center and said that although it is a small step, but it will be very effective.

“Continuing to educate girls wherever possible is a good and worthwhile thing to do, especially when women themselves are the pioneers. This type of education could reduce barriers and help girls learn according to their talents”.

Pajhwok Afghan News tried to get comments from Islamic Emirate officials, but failed to receive a response.

hz/ma