Afghanistan Peace CampaignThe United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) says it plans to reconstruct 190 schools in Afghanistan this year. On Tuesday, July 2nd, the organisation announced that rebuilding these schools will provide education opportunities for 200,000 children.
UNICEF emphasized that these schools will be constructed with the cooperation and financial support of the European Union to ensure education for 200,000 children in Afghanistan.
Earlier, UNICEF reported funding the construction of six schools in Pul-e-Alam city and Mohammad Agha district of Logar province.
UNICEF further underscored its commitment to investing in the education sector in Afghanistan, stating in a report, “Investing in education is investing in the future of the country.”
According to the organization’s statistics, more than one million girls in Afghanistan are deprived of their right to education and have banned education beyond sixth grade for girls since the Taliban took power in the country.
This is despite the lack of standard school buildings and educational facilities being highlighted as a major challenge in the education sector across various provinces, especially in rural areas.
Amid a dire humanitarian crisis and widespread poverty in Afghanistan, there has been a troubling rise in forced marriages and underage unions, particularly affecting girls.
The underlying reasons behind this alarming trend include pervasive poverty and the longstanding barriers to girls’ education in the country.
The lack of educational opportunities for girls has exacerbated societal challenges, contributing to a situation where many families see marriage as a coping mechanism amid economic hardship.
This unfortunate reality highlights the urgent need for sustained efforts to improve access to education and alleviate poverty, essential steps towards safeguarding the rights and futures of Afghan girls.