Five years after the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan, the state of the education system for boys is facing a quiet but severe crisis. While international focus remains on the total exclusion of girls from secondary schools and universities, students and educators say the classroom experience for boys has changed in ways that threaten their future career prospects and academic development. Students across provinces like Kabul, Herat, and Helmand report that core subjects such as science, mathematics, and foreign languages receive less attention than they did prior to August 2021.
Religious instruction now serves as a primary focus within public schools. Teachers are often expected to integrate Quranic verses into secular subjects, and the environment has shifted from one of inquiry to one of caution. Students describe a fear of asking questions or expressing opinions that might be perceived as controversial. This shift has led many young men to feel that their time in the classroom no longer aligns with the demands of the professional world. Experienced educators have left their positions, and in some cases, they are replaced by individuals without the necessary training to provide a modern academic foundation.
The decline in quality has prompted a rise in skepticism regarding the value of formal education. Young Afghans report that despite completing their studies, graduates often struggle to secure employment, while advancement is frequently linked to personal connections rather than merit. This economic instability, coupled with the pressure to support families in a restricted labor market, has caused many male students to drop out or lose hope entirely. Some families now view religious schools as the only viable path forward, further narrowing the scope of knowledge available to the next generation.
For those who remain in school, the loss of a diverse student body is particularly stark. The exclusion of girls has fundamentally altered the social landscape, shaping a reality where younger boys no longer interact with women in public spaces. Educators warn that this lack of exposure will influence the societal decisions made by these individuals as they reach adulthood. While students like Hashmat Mubariz continue to pursue independent learning through self-study, many others are left to navigate a system that lacks the resources, security, and academic freedom required for genuine growth.