Following public criticism over changes that happened in the schooling curriculum, the Ministry of Education (MoE) said that bringing “reforms” does not mean to eliminate modern education from the curriculum.

The MoE said that the reforms aim to integrate modern education in the curriculum.

“The reforms never happened to isolate modern education, but even the use of the latest achievements regarding modern education in the curriculum were stressed,” the statement said.

Earlier, the MoE said that some textbooks in the primary school curriculum have been removed and that some contents of various books were also omitted as they were in contrast with Islamic values and Afghan culture.

The spokesman of the MoE, Mansoor Ahmad Hamza, in an interview with the RTA said that the changes in the curriculum of the schools up to 6th grade have been completed and efforts are underway to bring “reforms” in the curriculum of secondary schools (grades 7-9).

Meanwhile, students and university lecturers interviewed by TOLOnews stressed the increasing quality of teachers.

"It will be very effective that the modern education is included. Also, cultural issues which are important for the Afghans, should be replaced," said Wassim Wesal, a university lecturer.

"There should be no excuse to cause hurdles ahead of education. I wish the curriculum will be completed soon even until grade 12, so that doors of all schools are opened and we  see our sisters back to schooling," said Javid Mohmand, a university lecturer.

"I call on the education ministry to work on the professionalism of the teachers and to hire experienced teachers," said Mohammad Shafiq, a student.

The reforms in the curriculum come as the girl students above grade 6 have not been allowed to go to their schools since the Islamic Emirate came to power.