One-Third of Afghan Schools Lack Safe Drinking Water, UNICEF Reports
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has reported that one-third of schools in Afghanistan do not have access to safe drinking water, and half of these educational centers also lack adequate sanitation facilities. According to UNICEF, this situation directly negatively impacts the continuation of children’s education, particularly for girls.
On Monday, March 23, UNICEF stated in a report that the shortage of safe water and proper sanitation services in schools has disrupted regular student attendance and increased dropout rates. The report further reveals that more than 60 percent of schools in the country do not have separate toilets for girls, which is considered a significant barrier to girls’ education.
Amid widespread restrictions on the Afghan education system in recent years, especially for girls, the absence of basic sanitation facilities in schools has placed additional pressure on students. Educational experts emphasize that providing a safe and quality learning environment is a fundamental responsibility of the Taliban administration, warning that neglecting this endangers the future of the new generation.
UNICEF added that it is working with the World Bank to improve access to water, sanitation, and hygiene services in Afghan schools. So far, nine schools in Logar province have been equipped with new facilities, positively affecting more than 2,300 children and 47 teachers, and paving the way for increased student enrollment and return to school.
