Aladdin Orphanage, a part of the government-run housing institution designed primarily to accommodate orphaned girls and children, has been transformed into a religious school following the resurgence of the Taliban.
Salma, a recent graduate from the orphanage, told the Khaama Press News Agency that approximately 48 girls reside in this facility. According to Salma, at least 25 of them are younger girls from the sixth grade who continue their studies.
Salma also said to Khaama Press that religious studies had been the sole focus of instruction for the girls in the orphanage after the closure of schools and specifically the ban on educating girls.
Before the Taliban administration took control, this institution taught the girls modern science and school curriculum subjects. Remedial courses were offered, and the girls were prepared for the university entrance exam, Kankor. However, recent developments have disrupted even the programs of this centre.
According to Salma, “Before the arrival of the Taliban, there were regular school courses and remedial classes. But in these past two years, it’s only religious studies, and it’s being taught by the Ministry of Virtue and Vice.”
While she doesn’t specify the exact number of girls who have left Aladdin Orphanage, Salma emphasizes that some girls, including herself, left due to the lack of education and attention.
She adds, “Some girls left and got married. My future was uncertain, so I left to continue my studies.”
Despite the renewed rule of the Taliban administration leading to restrictions on education and employment opportunities for women and girls in Afghanistan, orphaned girls at Aladdin Orphanage express uncertainty and difficulty articulating their futures.
We attempted to speak with a spokesperson from the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs about this matter but were unsuccessful.
Under the supervision of the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, orphanages supported girls’ education up to the twelfth grade during the Republic era and offered foreign scholarships and job opportunities. However, girls at Aladdin Orphanage can now only continue with religious studies and face strict rules that don’t allow them to use phones or even have optional clothing choices.
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