Kabul government school teachers demand salary increases

Kabul (Pajhwok): Several teachers at government schools in Kabul have described their salaries as insufficient and called for increases, while officials at the Ministry of Education say salaries are paid on time and efforts are underway to provide necessary facilities for teachers.

The teachers said current salaries, ranging from 7,000 to 13,000 Afghanis based on work experience and education level, do not cover basic family needs amid rising living costs, housing rent, and other expenses.

Mahbooba, a teacher with a bachelor's degree and 34 years of service in Kabul's 15th district, told Pajhwok her monthly salary of 9,200 Afghanis is too low for a family of 10, especially with high prices. She said paying rent leaves little for other essentials, and delays in payments sometimes occur. Low pay causes mental stress, affecting teaching quality, she added, urging the Islamic Emirate to address it per international standards.

Maryam (pseudonym), a five-year teacher with a bachelor's degree living in rented housing, said her salary does not suffice as she supports her household, including a retired husband and another minimally employed. She called for financial strengthening to focus on teaching.

Nafisa Shafiei, with 19 years of service and a chemistry degree from Kabul University, said her salary does not meet Kabul's market costs. She appealed to the Islamic Emirate for increases to enable normal living and better teaching without financial worries.

Rihana, with 17 years of experience and a bachelor's degree, said her roughly 9,000 Afghani salary is inadequate and proper pay would improve focus on teaching.

Education activist Soraya Yusufi said teachers, a key societal group, are among Afghanistan's lowest-paid, leading to anxiety that harms teaching quality. She hoped the Islamic Emirate would raise salaries to alleviate financial concerns.

Qari Mansoor Ahmad Hamza, Ministry of Education spokesperson, told Pajhwok the Islamic Emirate is working to provide facilities for teachers. He referenced Mullah Abdul Salam Hanafi, deputy administrative prime minister, stating salary increases would occur gradually based on available resources.