Taliban shuts down two girls' educational centres in Kunar province

Local sources report that the Taliban has closed two educational centers for girls in the Ghaziabad district of Afghanistan's eastern Kunar province. These closures, now ongoing for four days, were reportedly ordered by the Taliban's Department of Education for Kunar, though no official reason has been provided.

The educational centers offered classes in computer studies, English, and religious education, all taught by female instructors. A source close to the centers confirmed that the facilities were financially supported by the aid organization "Getz." According to the source, the Taliban has warned the center’s administrators that any attempts to reopen without official authorization will lead to punishment.

The Taliban’s Education Department in Kunar has yet to comment on the closures. Since the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan in August 2021, they have implemented extensive restrictions on female education, barring girls from attending secondary schools and universities. In response, many girls have turned to informal religious madrasas as an alternative, though these institutions typically lack the range of subjects offered by conventional schools.

The recent closures are part of a broader crackdown on educational opportunities for Afghan girls, further shrinking their access to basic skills and knowledge needed for future opportunities. The situation has raised concerns among families and human rights organizations, who worry about the long-term impact of these restrictions on Afghan women and girls.