Principal of Balkh School for Blind and Deaf Students Dismissed After Complaints

The principal of the School for the Blind and Deaf in Balkh province has been dismissed following formal complaints from students regarding administrative mismanagement and unqualified teaching staff. The decision comes amid ongoing concerns about the quality of education provided at the facility in Mazar-i-Sharif.

According to student representatives, several instructors currently employed at the school lack proficiency in Braille and sign language, which has significantly hindered academic progress and contributed to educational stagnation. Students also reported that the current academic year began later than scheduled due to delays in finalizing transportation contracts for attendees.

Additional challenges have emerged regarding the utilization of educational resources. Materials and supplies previously donated by the Norwegian Refugee Council remain largely unusable, as the current teaching staff reportedly lacks the specialized training required to implement them effectively.

In response to these issues, students have formally requested that the Central Directorate of Technical and Vocational Education in Kabul dispatch an inspection committee to Mazar-i-Sharif. The proposed review would assess the school’s operational standards, address administrative shortcomings, and facilitate the replacement of out-of-field instructors with qualified specialists trained in special education.

The dismissal of the school’s principal marks the first administrative action taken in response to the students’ grievances. Education advocates and local families continue to monitor the situation, emphasizing the need for sustained oversight to ensure that specialized learning environments meet established standards for accessibility and instructional quality.