The Problem

Poverty and cultural attitudes are seen as the two largest barriers to educational opportunities for children in Afghanistan. These attitudes, compounded by the harsh and insecure physical environment of the country have a significant, negative, impact on the development of educational opportunities, particularly for girls. Access has increased significantly over the past 10 years; however, around 4.2 million children are still out of school. Approximately 60% of those 4.2 million children were girls and retention is an ongoing challenge, with 42% of girls who enroll in grade 1 dropping out before completing their primary education. Almost half of formal government schools lack buildings and it is often difficult for children in rural areas to access, some walking for long distances in order to attend school. Less than one third of teachers are officially qualified, with many not even having completed their own secondary education. This situation is worse in rural areas and among female teachers.

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