As girls’ secondary schools (grade 7-12) remained closed in Afghanistan, a number of Afghan girls on Tuesday told TOLOnews they are concerned about their future.

Maryam, a student in eleventh grade, was first in her class. She hopes to become a doctor. “It was my only wish to become a doctor and serve my people. I would love to get master’s degree and PhD. But this is really disappointing,” Maryam said.

Madina is in the final year of school. She said: “I wanted to pursue higher education, but when there is no school, there will be no university. I ask the government to reopen schools.”

At the same time, many school teachers have not been paid for the past two months. They talked to TOLOnews about their financial challenges.

Fariza Poya said: “My husband and I are teachers. The fate of our jobs and salaries is unclear.”

The deputy minister for the Ministry of Culture and Information, Zabihullah Mujahid, said the caretaker government is working on an approach to open schools for girls and they will soon return to their classrooms.

“The system has changed. An Islamic government has come. We are working on an approach so that all women and girls can continue their education and employment," Mujahid said.

According to available numbers, more than 9 million Afghan boys and girls are enrolled in schools, and around 60 percent of them are girls.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) warned of the negative consequences of Afghan girls not attending school.

The UNESCO in a statement on Saturday, called on all relevant actors in Afghanistan to ensure that girls’ schools reopen.