The Darakht-e Danesh (DD) Classroom, an online school that operates under the Right to Learn Afghanistan program, has been included among the top 50 schools shortlisted for the 2026 World’s Best School Prizes.
In a statement released on Friday, May 1, the Darakht-e Danesh school said that this international competition is organized by the Varkey Foundation to recognize the most innovative educational programs around the world.
According to the statement, the school was selected from among 3,000 nominees from 113 countries and has been shortlisted in the “Overcoming Adversity” category of the award.
The educational institution said that the “Right to Learn Afghanistan program” was created after the Taliban banned secondary education for girls in 2021.
The statement added that in response to this situation, the Darakht-e Danesh online school was established to continue education for girls and boys who do not have access to in-person schooling.
According to the statement, the school began operating in 2022 with 25 female students, but it has now expanded to more than 700 students, about 92 percent of whom are girls.
These students receive education in 11 provinces of Afghanistan, as well as at learning centers in Pakistan and Turkey.
In addition, more than 4,000 other students are currently on the waiting list.
Under this program, education is delivered online and includes structured curricula, qualified teachers, psychological support, academic counseling, and, in some cases, internationally recognized certificates.
According to the statement, more than half of the school’s teachers are women, and its goal is to provide equal access to education for both girls and boys.
