Residents of southern Kandahar province expressed concerns over the closure of girls’ schools above grade six, saying that the closed schools will have a negative impact on the educational sector in the country.

They also called on the Islamic Emirate to reopen the schools for the female students in grades 7-12.

“They (girls) will think that they will not have access to school anymore, this will affect their morale,” said Shams Kamran, a resident of Kandahar.

“If we study until grade six and not further, then what is the purpose of our studying at school?” said Naznin, a resident of Kandahar.

Meanwhile, the officials of the department of education in Kandahar in a ceremony held to mark the start of the new school year, said that they are fully prepared for the reopening of girls’ schools but they are awaiting the final decision.

“If the Islamic Emirate allows us to reopen the classes beyond grade six, we have all the preparation,” said Mawlawi Fakhruddin Naqshbandi, head of the provincial department of education.

“The reopening of schools for the students above grade six will pave the ground for the country’s development,” said Sadiqullah Masoumi, a member of the economic council of Kandahar.

Meanwhile, the teachers and the students urged the Islamic Emirate to reopen the schools for female students in grades 7-12.

“We are waiting for when the Islamic Emirate will give us this good news to reopen the schools until grade 12,” said Bi Bi Rozia, a school principal.

“I call for the reopening of girls' schools above grade six,” said Mahnaz, a student.

It has been more than one year since the schools for female students above grade six have remained closed.