In Afghanistan, the Taliban leadership has elevated the ban on women's and girls' access to education to the level of official and permanent state policy. The restrictions imposed by the movement since coming to power are no longer presented as temporary measures, but as one of the fundamental elements of its governance model. As a result of this decision, approximately 2.2 million girls across the country have been deprived of the opportunity to receive an education, and no easing regarding their return to school has been observed.
Prior to the recent prohibitions, within the framework of initiatives operating with embassy support in Afghanistan, Ali Sina Afshar, an Afshar Turk, along with his fiancée, taught Azerbaijani language and history subjects to both female and male students. The teaching process served to preserve national identity, the mother tongue, and historical memory.
Modern.az contacted Ali Sina Afshar to ascertain the latest situation regarding the matter.
He stated that classes in Azerbaijani language and history are currently ongoing at the educational center he leads.
"However, according to current regulations, girls' education is limited to the 6th grade. For male students, there is no such restriction, and they can receive a full 12-year secondary education".
Ali Sina Afshar noted that the educational center is managed jointly with his fiancée, Kamala Afshar. Kamala Afshar also actively participates in the teaching process, while simultaneously enhancing her knowledge in Azerbaijani language and history.
"The presence of female teachers at the center creates certain opportunities for girls to continue their education within the existing framework".
Finally, Ali Sina Afshar emphasized that their main goal is to preserve the Azerbaijani language and national identity in Afghanistan.
According to him, despite the imposed restrictions, they continue their activities in this direction and spare no effort to keep the mother tongue alive under the current circumstances.
