Afghanistan

Since 2005, DVV International has been supporting projects run by the non-governmental organisation Afghan National Association for Adult Education (ANAFAE). Together they have ensured the establishment of a total of 25 adult learning and education (ALE) centres in 12 provinces of the country. Some centres have already been handed over to local partners. So far, over two million young adults have taken part in complementary school and vocational education programmes, IT and language courses, business start-up training offering internationally recognized certificates, literacy and basic education courses for grades four to nine.

The rights of women and girls have been increasingly restricted after the de facto Taliban government came to power in August 2021. All educational institutions in the country were forced to introduce new rules to strictly enforce gender segregation. In March 2022, girls were banned from attending secondary education (grades 7–12). At the end of 2023, a decree was issued banning women from working for non-governmental organisations. In the meantime, women are no longer even allowed to raise their voices in public.

After a period of uncertainty, ANAFAE’s ALE centres were able to reopen. Currently, courses are being held again at all nine ALE centres in Kabul, Mazar-i-Sharif, Parwan and Herat. Some of the centres had to be rebuilt to allow separate classes for men and women. In general, there is great uncertainty about the interpretation and review of the bans on women’s education and employment. ANAFAE involves local community representatives in efforts to keep opportunities for female education open.

Main focus of work

With the support of DVV International, ANAFAE is working to continue to provide education to the widest possible range of participants. The training centres offer course formats in foreign languages, computer skills, business start-ups and vocational training. In order to be able to continue to reach women with educational offers, ANAFAE has set specific priorities, including the expansion of digital learning. 

Another focus is on the qualification of teachers and education managers. This poses a particular challenge following the emigration of many leading progressive professionals abroad.

Partner

DVV International’s only direct partner since 2005 has been the Afghan National Association for Adult Education (ANAFAE). It currently operates nine ALE centres in Afghanistan.