Kabul's Religious Schools: A Mixed Blessing

In Kabul's streets, a shift is happening. Boys in traditional dress are learning in madrassas, religious schools that are becoming more popular as public schools struggle. These schools offer structure and education based on Islamic teachings. One school outside Kabul saw its student count jump from 35 to over 160 in just five years. While most madrassas focus on the Quran, some are starting to teach basic subjects like math and English. However, many of these schools don't meet national or international education standards, which could affect students' futures.Girls face even bigger hurdles. With higher education banned for them, madrassas are one of the few places they can continue learning, though opportunities are limited. Critics argue that these schools often promote religious ideas heavily, which could shape Afghanistan's future in significant ways. For many kids, though, madrassas are their only shot at education. The public school system is dealing with big problems. There aren't enough teachers, resources are scarce, and years of conflict have taken a toll. This has pushed more families toward madrassas. But while these religious schools fill a gap, they also raise questions about what kind of education Afghan children are really getting.