Despite the Taliban’s restrictions on girls’ education, some are finding a glimmer of hope through online learning platforms. However, these alternatives come with significant challenges.
18-year-old Shekiba exemplifies the determination of Afghan girls. Despite limited internet and living in a remote area, she attends online economics lectures on her phone. The Taliban’s takeover in 2021 shut girls and women out of classrooms, creating a massive educational gap.
Online platforms like Begum Academy offer free educational videos in local languages. However, the number of participants is limited, and these platforms can’t provide official diplomas. Lack of access to computers and a reliable internet connection further hinders participation.
Students like Zainab express the limitations of online learning. It lacks the social interaction and engagement of a physical classroom. Motivation can be difficult to maintain without a clear path to further education or careers. Teachers like Ruhila acknowledge the limitations but find purpose in continuing to educate girls.
The Taliban maintains they’re developing a new system aligned with their interpretation of Islamic law. The effectiveness of online learning as a long-term solution remains unclear, especially with Afghanistan’s limited internet access and infrastructure.
Online learning offers a lifeline for some Afghan girls, but it’s a difficult and imperfect solution. It provides hope for continued learning but can’t fully replace the traditional classroom experience and the qualifications it offers.