Taliban Ministry Launches Thousands of Literacy Programs Across Afghanistan

The Taliban’s Ministry of Education has announced the launch of thousands of literacy programs across all provinces of Afghanistan in the 1404 solar year academic calendar. According to the ministry, these programs aim to expand access to education and reduce illiteracy, particularly in remote areas.

Mansour Ahmad Hamza, spokesperson for the Ministry of Education, stated that over four thousand teachers are currently employed within these programs, with tens of thousands of residents participating in the literacy courses. He described these initiatives as part of the Taliban administration’s broader educational plans to promote literacy nationwide.

Afghanistan has faced widespread deprivation from education over the past two decades due to ongoing wars, pervasive poverty, and economic challenges. This situation has especially prevented residents of remote areas from accessing educational services. Education experts note that literacy programs can partially address this deficiency but fall short of meeting the extensive needs of the population.

Meanwhile, critics emphasize that the closure of schools for girls beyond the sixth grade remains one of the most significant barriers to universal education in the country. They argue that this restriction imposed by the Taliban not only undermines literacy efforts but also blatantly violates the educational rights of half the population, posing a serious challenge to the country’s educational future.