Analysis
Significant Enrollment Growth (2001–2021): Student enrollment in Afghan schools increased tenfold, from approximately 1 million in 2001 to over 10 million in 2021, highlighting a major expansion in educational access.
Initial Surge (2002–2004): The most notable increase occurred between 2002 and 2004, when both boys and girls gained equal rights to education and were provided with enhanced opportunities to attend school in many areas.
Consistent Progress After 2004: Following 2004, enrollment continued to rise steadily, with clear signs of stabilization and ongoing improvement from 2014 onward.
The Persistent Gap: The gross enrollment ratio hit its lowest level in 2001, with just 16.93% of school-age children enrolled, and peaked at 76.79% at its highest point. Over the past 20 years, from 2001 to 2021, the average ratio stands at 66.95%. This indicates that during this period, one in three children did not have the opportunity to learn.
Ongoing Out-of-School Population: Despite the overall advancements, around 3 million school age children (7-18 ages) remained out of school during this time, primarily in remote or Taliban-controlled regions.
Gender Disparities: About 60% of out-of-school children were girls, particularly in areas where the Taliban enforced restrictions on female education.
Uneven Enrollment Distribution: The growth in enrollment was not uniform; significant disparities were evident between rural and urban areas, as well as among different provinces.
Institutional Challenges of the MoE: The Ministry of Education struggled with institutional capacity and operational efficiency, hindering efforts to address the needs of out-of-school children, even in secure regions.
Factors Contributing to Delivery Challenges: These issues were compounded by deep-rooted bureaucratic inefficiencies, corruption, and an outdated administrative system that was not suited for contemporary educational governance.