Afghanistan’s education system has been devastated by more than three decades of sustained conflict. For many of the country’s children, completing primary school remains a distant dream – especially in rural areas and for girls – despite recent progress in raising enrolment.

In the poorest and remote areas of the country, enrolment levels vary extensively, and girls still lack equal access.

The underlining reasons for low girls’ enrolment are insecurity and traditional norms and practices related to girls and women’s role in society. Other reasons can be explained in part by a lack of female teachers, especially in rural schools. Only 16 percent of Afghanistan’s schools are girls-only, and many of them lack proper sanitation facilities, which further hinders attendance. Certain sociocultural factors and traditional beliefs also undermine girls’ education. Girls continue to marry very young – 17 percent before their 15th birthday.

In some parts of the country, a shortage of schools and insufficient transportation are the main obstacles to education – a long walk to school means fewer children go. Geographical barriers, especially in mountainous areas, also make it hard for children to reach the classroom. Once children do make it, they often receive a lower quality of education because only 48 percent of their teachers have the minimum academic qualifications (equivalent to an Associate Degree).

The socio-political and humanitarian crises that Afghanistan faces critically affect a fragile education system. SAW Mainly works for the holistic development of poor, discriminated, and neglected families. Various awareness training is being organized for children, youth, and women, mainly for the education, vocational training, and social development. Supplementary education (English and computer) centers have been opened for children’s primary education, and more than 1000 children have been allowed to learn. They are working for manual scavenger rehabilitation in urban slums and rural areas, providing education for neglected girls and rehabilitating needy children and youth.

After the Taliban takeover and the insecurity and uncertainty are continuing to fuel a wave of internal displacement as people seek safety for themselves and their families. All the sectors are affected but the education program is completely damaged particularly women/girls’ education, Taliban did not start the girl’s schools properly yet. Therefore, SAW struggled to start the below education programs.

• SAW establishes girls’ schools in three provinces and provides free education for 200 girls in each school total of 600 girls.
• SAW signed a school fee MoU with private schools in different provinces for poor students (total provided scholarship by SAW is 120).
• SAW establishes free English and computer center for both girls and boys Kabul.

• SAW also provide public awareness program in a different province