Afghan Students Face Brutal Punishments for Minor Infractions
Five years after ultra-conservative Islamists retook Afghanistan, male students are being beaten for minor rule breaches, such as not growing their beards or wearing traditional clothes. Inexperienced teachers are also struggling to deliver lessons, creating a challenging learning environment. The strict rules and punishments are having a significant impact on the students' educational experience.
It has been five years since the ultra-conservative Islamists retook Afghanistan, and the country's education system has undergone significant changes. For male students like Hashmat, who attends Kabul University, the daily routine begins with a careful check of their appearance. They are required to grow their facial hair and wear traditional Afghan clothes, and those who fail to comply are punished. Hashmat recently witnessed a classmate being beaten for wearing trousers, which is considered a violation of the strict dress code. The punishment is not only physical but also creates a sense of fear and anxiety among the students. According to Hashmat, the teachers and authorities "look at you before they listen to you. If your appearance is wrong, you are already in trouble before the class begins." This emphasis on appearance over academic performance has created a challenging learning environment, where students are more focused on avoiding punishment than engaging with their studies. Furthermore, the lack of experienced teachers is exacerbating the problem, as many qualified educators have left the country or are no longer allowed to teach. The result is a struggling education system, where students are not receiving the quality education they deserve, and are instead being forced to conform to strict and outdated rules. The situation is a stark reminder of the significant challenges facing Afghanistan's education system, and the need for reform and support to ensure that students have access to quality education, free from fear and punishment.
