Shortage of Schools and Teachers Deprives Hundreds of Children of Education in Ghazni's Khogyani District

Residents of Khogyani district in southern Ghazni province report that shortages of schools and teachers are depriving hundreds of children of education amid difficult mountainous terrain spanning around 120 villages.

Tribal elder Haji Rozi Gul said only four formal schools operate in the district, forcing many students to travel long distances over challenging routes, with some families unable to send their children. Tribal elder Mohammad Arif noted that classes are overcrowded, with more than 100 students per classroom taught by a single teacher, which reduces education quality. Social affairs analyst Abdul Mateen Ghaznavi called for establishing small community classes in remote areas alongside primary and middle schools to improve access and learning conditions.

District governor Mullah Mohammad Naeem acknowledged the shortages, stating the four schools lack boundary walls, toilets, water, books and other basic facilities. He said around 50 teachers are currently employed, which is insufficient, and areas such as Sheikh Agha, Khairabad and Sayedan have no schools at all.

Mawlawi Nasir Ahmad Hossaini, head of the Education Department, confirmed that besides the four formal schools, 15 community-based classes operate with UNICEF support, along with rural madrasas. He described the teacher shortage as a serious challenge and said plans are underway to recruit up to 25 new teachers next year to address students' needs partially.

Khogyani, one of Ghazni's mountainous districts, has long faced limited educational facilities.