I was heartbroken that my education was stopped at sixth grade
More than 1.5 million adolescent girls have been denied secondary education since the Taliban returned to power in 2021. By 2030 this number will be 4 million. ©UNICEF
The ban on the education of adolescent girls, which was imposed by the Taliban when they returned to power in August 2021, is still in place.
The ban has impacted more than 1.5 million girls who have been deprived of the opportunity to continue their education.
To mark four years since the ban on education was imposed, we have spoken to women and girls in Afghanistan about the impact of the ban and their determination to build a better future for themselves and their country.
In this interview, we speak with Wesal, a sixth-grader who has just completed her legally mandated six years of primary school. Because of the Taliban’s ban on girls’ education beyond the primary level, she can no longer attend seventh grade and continue her studies. She shares her hopes, the heartbreak of being forced out of school, and her determination to keep learning despite the barriers.
What did school mean to you, and how did you feel when you were in sixth grade?
School was a place for learning and gaining new experiences. When I reached sixth grade, the lessons became more interesting to me, and I felt more grown-up, so I was enjoying every moment of it.
How did you feel when you realized you couldn’t go to seventh grade?
When I realized I could no longer continue beyond sixth grade and couldn’t pursue my education or gain new experiences, I felt very sad and hopeless. I was heartbroken that my education had stopped at just sixth grade, because six years is not enough time to properly learn knowledge and skills.
Before schools were closed, what dreams or goals did you have for your future?
I wanted to become a doctor and serve my people.
What do you want people and leaders in other countries to know about Afghan girls like you?
I want them to know that if Afghan girls are given the chance to study, we can progress just like girls in other countries.
Are you still trying to learn in any way or study at home?
Yes, after finishing sixth grade, I read books and review all my sixth-grade lessons so I don’t forget them. I’m also looking for online classes so I don’t fall behind others
