Female students of religious seminaries in the western province of Herat called for the reopening of schools beyond grade six for girls.

They said that it is necessary to learn modern education besides religious lessons.

"We call on the government to reopen the girls' schools besides religious education, so we can continue with our learning," said Fatima, a student.

"Along with studying religious lessons, hopefully the schools be reopened because our community needs female doctors and I want to become a doctor in the future," said Zahra, a student.

This comes as officials of the department of Education in Farah said that around 3,500 female students are studying in 19 seminaries in the province.

"We have 18 to 19 seminaries for women and it has between 120 to 130 teachers and around 3,500 students," said Akhtar Mohammad Zaeem, head of the provincial department of education.

This comes as the acting Minister of Education during a visit to Baghlan province emphasized the need to teach modern education.