The Afghan caretaker government’s ministry of education has taken a crucial step by identifying and annulling 700 “ghost schools” across the country. This move comes as part of efforts to combat corruption and ensure transparency in the education system.
According to the spokesman for the ministry Mansour Ahmad Hamza, “The ministry of education has culled up to 700 ‘ghost schools’ from official lists since the government took power more than two years ago.” This action highlights the government’s commitment to eradicating fraudulent practices that have plagued the education sector.
During the previous U.S.-backed regime in Afghanistan, “ghost” schools, teachers, students, soldiers, and police personnel were reported to exist as a means to exploit foreign donor funds illegally. This revelation underscores the depth of corruption that has pervaded various institutions in the country.
The ministry of education has disclosed that there are over 18,000 primary, secondary, and high schools currently operating in Afghanistan, with 260,000 teachers working diligently to educate the nation’s youth. This information sheds light on the scale of the education system and the challenges faced in ensuring quality education for all Afghan children.
