Some owners of private educational centers in Ghazni province assert that these centers teeter on the brink of collapse. They stress that stringent Taliban restrictions on women and girls have plunged these centers into severe economic hardship. According to them, the centers currently struggle to meet daily expenses, warning of imminent closure if swift action is not taken.
Speaking to the Hasht-e Subh Daily, some owners of private educational centers in Ghazni reveal that they have lost over 50 percent of their students following the ban on female student enrollment. They stress that unless restrictions on girls’ education are lifted, they will have no choice but to permanently shut down their centers. Officials of these educational institutions further note that they can no longer withstand additional burdens due to severe economic challenges.
One of the authorities of an English language and computer training center in Ghazni, while maintaining anonymity, tells the Hasht-e Subh Daily that by investing in this sector, he pursued significant spiritual and material goals. The official of the English language training center in Ghazni says that with the Taliban taking control, his aspirations have been dashed, and he is currently grappling with serious economic challenges. He adds, “Throughout the year, three types of laws have been imposed on us by the Taliban’s Moral Police.” He states, “At first, the Taliban said that classes should be separate for girls and boys, we accepted. We formed new classes and hired new teachers. After a while, they said that educational buildings for girls and boys should be completely separate. Again, we complied, but even then, one day they came and said that girls, even if they are young, are not allowed to attend classes.”
This official of the educational institution in Ghazni states that with these restrictions imposed by the Taliban, he has lost his capital. He emphasizes, “Our country has suffered a spiritual blow, plunging half of society into darkness, while simultaneously, we have faced bankruptcy. I devised plans to cover expenses and entered into a contract with the landlord. However, I unexpectedly lost over half of the revenue, making it impossible for me to compensate in these circumstances.”
It’s not only private educational training centers in Ghazni facing recession, private universities are also in a similar situation. Alongside the Taliban’s directive for the closure of universities to girls, officials of private universities express deep concern over the dwindling presence of boys. According to them, besides the ban on girls and women entering universities, the presence of men has also significantly decreased.
A spokesperson from a private university in Ghazni, preferring anonymity, tells the Hasht-e Subh Daily that enrollment of boys in the academic semesters of this institution has plummeted. They mention that in most classes, the number of students has reached a minimal count.
The official from the private university comments, “Regrettably, we observe a growing indifference among youth towards pursuing education due to the ongoing situation. On one hand, girls face restrictions beyond the sixth grade, while the Taliban’s emphasis on religious schools and the limited job opportunities for graduates in social and natural sciences also deter new student enrollments.”
It is worth mentioning that currently, alongside two state universities, three private universities, five semi-higher education institutions, and dozens of private educational centers for English language, computer, and scientific subjects are active in Ghazni province. However, all of these educational centers and universities are closed to girls.
Private educational center officials find themselves in an economically dire situation as the Taliban, despite internal and external appeals, have persisted in maintaining stringent restrictions on education and employment opportunities for women and girls over the past two years.
