Heather BarrVerified account

The issue is not about whether children should study religion in school--Islamic studies are already part of the national curriculum. And there is much more clarity needed on what the govt means and how it intends to implement this. But the idea is problematic on its face.

.@hrw did extensive research on access to education and found that many children cannot access govt schools because of distance or the costs associated with attending. For these children, the options are CBE, madrasa or nothing.

CBE--community based education--is small classes funded by donors and run by NGOs usually in homes with little or not cost to families. CBEs have to use the national curriculum & the govt is increasingly regulating them. They are designed to transition children into govt schools.

That transition doesn't always work, because the same challenges that kept children out of govt school before--distance, costs--often still remain a barrier. But at least CBE helps children get a basic education and the hope of continuing on with their studies.

When neither govt school nor CBE is available, children often attend madrasas--mosque-based teaching. These schools are often free and children and parents are grateful for their existence. But they are not a substitute for schools.

The children we interviewed who had attended madrasas had usually only received religious studies there. The did not receive the national curriculum, and they usually could not transfer to govt school later because they had not received essential basic education.

The announcement comes after parliament refused to confirm the minister. That's relevant. It also comes as peace negotiations move ahead slowly & the Taliban consolidate their advantages. Afghans have every reason to fear any gov policy suggesting greater alignment w/the Taliban.

The govt should focus on strengthening and protecting the govt school system, & ensuring CBE is sustainable and present while it remains needed. If the govt wants madrasas to be part of the govt education system, it needs to ensure that they teach the full national curriculum.