KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – The United Nations has inaugurated six schools in Kandahar.
The Taliban’s Department of Education in Kandahar said that these schools were completed and put into operation with financial support from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
Officials from the Taliban’s Department of Education in Kandahar stated that the schools were built and inaugurated in the city of Kandahar and its districts at a cost of 2,352,000 US dollars.
According to the department’s press release, three schools were constructed in the provincial center and two other schools in Panjwayi district, with financial support from the people of Japan.
The press release stated that each school is equipped with classrooms and administrative offices, laboratories, computer labs, water and electricity systems, and other facilities, providing educational opportunities for thousands of students.
Despite the construction of dozens of schools in Kandahar with the support of the international community, thousands of children in the province still continue their education in open-air spaces.
These efforts highlighted the ongoing challenges and gaps in Afghanistan’s education system, where international support has improved access to schooling, but the demand for safe and adequately equipped learning environments remains high, especially in rural and underserved areas.
The Taliban banned girls from attending school beyond the sixth grade shortly after returning to power in 2021. The restrictions were later extended to universities and professional institutes, including medical institutions.
UN estimates show the bans have left more than 2.5 million Afghan girls and young women out of school and higher education. Rights groups and UN experts warn the restrictions could deepen poverty, reduce workforce participation, and widen gender inequality.
Afghanistan remains the only country in the world where women and girls are systematically barred from secondary and higher education.
Since taking power, the Taliban have also revised school and university curricula to align with their strict interpretation of Islamic law. While formal schools and universities remain closed to girls beyond primary level, the authorities have expanded religious seminaries. Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said earlier this year that more than 20,000 religious schools are operating under the Ministry of Education, with about 2.5 million students enrolled in Islamic studies.
