Officials at the education department in Balkh said that province schools lack about 1,500 professional teachers, and also textbooks.

Based on figures of the department, over 500,000 boys and girls are educated in 600 schools across Balkh province, where all schools are open.

“We face a shortage of 1,500 teachers, it should be addressed and solved,” said Abdul Jalil Shaheedkhil, head of the education department.

He added that local officials in Balkh province have taken steps to remove the challenges and bring reform to the education system.

“We recognized 95% of imaginary teachers (non-existent teachers on the payroll) in Balkh province, which is a great achievement to save the budget of the Islamic Emirate,” said Abdul Jalil Shaheedkhil.

Although some schools remained without buildings in Balkh province, and the lack of textbooks is another challenge ahead of students, they still hope to complete their education.

“It improves our country, when we come to classes. Men are not the only people who can build the country, women also able take part in the improvement of the country,” said Frishta, a student.

Afghan girls have been denied education in most parts of Afghanistan since the takeover of the Islamic Emirate in August 2021.