GHAZNI - Thirty four schools are still closed due to insecurity in different parts of Ghazni province, an official said on Monday.

According to the provincial director of Education Department in Ghazni, Ehsanullah Nasher, 39 schools and two literacy centres had been closed across the south-eastern province of Afghanistan after he assumed his duty in March. Five schools have been reopened in Zana Khan, Giro and Aab Band districts, but 34 others remain closed, including the two literacy centres.

The acting head of the Provincial Council, Abdul Jame, also acknowledged the authorities’ failure to reopen the schools.

“Insecurity has deprived many students of education,” said Mr. Jame, while urging the government to take effective measures to reopen the schools to set the ground for educating children in remote areas of the province.

“Across the district, you can’t find a single child who could reach the 10th grade. It’s all because of the bad security situation,” said Abdul Khaliq, a resident of Giro district.

Most of the 600 schools in Ghazni lack in trained teachers, teaching tools and proper buildings. Last year, the Taliban kept schools closed in Ghazni City, Andar and Deh Yak districts for two months.

Source: Paktya (Awoshtoon Radio) Headlines