Amine has been working as a teacher at Qowaye Chahar school in Herat since 2005. She likes her job very much and is happy to work with students. Recently, she went on a 10-day trip to Sri Lanka for a workshop on how to manage schools.

Here is a brief interview about schools and education in Afghanistan.

1. What made you want to become a teacher?

I have been interested in teaching since I was a child. We passed decades of war since then, and now the country is going to have to take extra steps to develop. I think there are severe needs in terms of improving our education, so I decided to join a school and teach students.

2. What is your favorite subject to teach?

I like teaching all subjects, but especially Islamic and social subjects.

3. What do you think about the education system in Afghanistan? How can it be improved?

The education system in Afghanistan has improved since the end of the civil war. The participation of women in education increases every day.

The main problem we are facing is the lack of educated teachers in schools compared to the number of students. The government can't provide teachers with workshops, seminars, and conferences to get them up to date in their field of studies.

4. As a teacher, what can you do to improve classes in Afghan schools?

Today's education system is different from what it was in the past. We now have to give more chances to students to participate in class activities. I provide different methods to motivate the students, such as team work, questions and answer sessions by students in the class, laboratory group work, presentations and seminars.

5. What do you think of the Internet classrooms Film Annex has been building in Afghan schools?

That's a great thing and we hope that one day all of the schools in Afghanistan will have Internet classrooms. Computers play a considerable role in our daily lives and can be used as a learning tool.

Students, especially girls who have less access to such facilities outside home, can use them for their lessons and to download more materials.

6. What else would you want to be built in Afghan schools in addition to the Internet classrooms? What do the kids need?

There are lots of needs in each school. The main concern is the lack of enough classrooms and space for students. Buildings, chairs and tables are old, and sometimes in some classes, students have to sit on the ground. Library books are out of date, so students can't extend their knowledge for further studies. Girls like to do sports but we don't have a good sports field for them to play on their free time.

7. Where do you see the future of female students in Afghanistan?

I can say that their future is bright, compared to Afghan girls in the past who didn't have the right to study and go to school. Today, in many parts of Afghanistan, they go to school and even to universities, and take part in social activities.

8. Do you use social media? If so what for?

Yes, I watch TV, read magazines and newspapers, and listen to the radio every day to know what is going on around the world. I also use the computer to help my children at home so they get used to working with it and to using social and digital media.

 

9. Are there any international exchange programs that students can benefit from at the school where you teach? If so, can you tell us about those programs?

Unfortunately we don't have such programs.

10. Do you work with any institutions that provide scholarships to students who are financially in need?

No, so far we couldn't find any organization willing to help our school and students.