Afghan Girls Feel Hopeless about Education Under Taliban Rule

Under the Taliban administration, Afghan students have returned to school and claim they are "worried and despairing" about their futures.

Although Taliban officials have promised not to repeat the horrific methods that they used when they were in control from 1996 to 2001, many Afghans believe that words alone are not enough.

"I am hoping that the Islamic Emirate (Taliban government) will uphold its promises and do as they say so that students can continue with their studies," says Sadia Sherifian, an Afghan school teacher in Kabul.

She also said, "During the Taliban's prior administration, women were subjected to a great deal of abuse. That is why girls are afraid to go to school "..

Before the Taliban took over, Sherifian estimates that there were roughly 45 to 50 students in the classrooms. There are only about 15 pupils in class right now.

"We come to school in fear for our future," one student explained.

Teachers in Afghanistan are predominantly female, therefore they are concerned that piding boys and girls will be difficult without a large number of male teachers.

According to one university speaker, women make up 48.5 percent of the country's workforce. Allowing women to work will have an impact not only socially but also economically as many fear.