The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) is holding discussions with Afghanistan rulers, the Taliban regarding the "timelines and practicalities" of a potential handover of its education programs to local organisations. As per UNICEF, it has received assurances from the education ministry that community-based classes, which educate 500,000 students, would continue while these discussions took place.

<h2>Participation of international organisations in education</h2>

As per Reuters, aid officials say that the Taliban has indicated that international organisations could no longer be involved in education projects. The move which has been criticised by UNICEF is yet to be officially confirmed by Afghan authorities.

Speaking to Reuters, UNICEF's Afghanistan spokesperson, Samantha Mort expressed appreciation for the commitment from the de facto minister to ensure classes continue during discussions.

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"As the lead agency for the education cluster in Afghanistan, UNICEF is engaged in constructive discussions with the de facto Ministry of Education and appreciates the commitment from the de facto minister to keep all ... classes continuing while discussions take place about timelines and practicalities," said Mort.&nbsp;

She emphasised that "In order to minimise disruption to children's learning, it is imperative that any handover to national NGOs is done strategically and includes comprehensive assessment and capacity building."

The Ministry of Education has not publicly confirmed the reported policy change.

<h2>Taliban and Education in Afghanistan</h2>

Since assuming power in 2021, the Taliban has closed most secondary schools for girls, prevented female students from attending universities, and restricted the participation of Afghan women in aid groups and the United Nations. This has&nbsp;apparently been done in adherence to their strict interpretation of Islamic law.

The Taliban's rapid and unexpected takeover of Afghanistan after a 20-year insurgency against US-led forces has created significant challenges and uncertainties for Afghanistan's education system.

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For long, international organisations have played a significant role in education projects in Afghanistan. UNICEF currently operates numerous community-based classes, including those catering to 300,000 girls, often held in rural homes.

As per Reuters, UNICEF reached an agreement with the Taliban to operate community classes before their takeover. However, this month, two "humanitarian sources" informed the news agency that aid agencies had been informed that provincial authorities were directed to exclude international organisations from education projects. This could possibly happen within a few weeks.

The move, if implemented, can be a significant setback. A United Nations spokesperson in New York described the move as a "horrendous step backwards."

(With inputs from agencies)

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The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) is holding discussions with Afghanistan rulers, the Taliban regarding the "timelines and practicalities" of a potential handover of its education programs to local organisations.

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) is holding discussions with Afghanistan rulers, the Taliban regarding the "timelines and practicalities" of a potential handover of its education programs to local organisations. As per UNICEF, it has received assurances from the education ministry that community-based classes, which educate 500,000 students, would continue while these discussions took place. Participation of international organisations in education As per Reuters, aid officials say that the Taliban has indicated that international organisations could no longer be involved in education projects. The move which has been criticised by UNICEF is yet to be officially confirmed by Afghan authorities. Speaking to Reuters, UNICEF's Afghanistan spokesperson, Samantha Mort expressed appreciation for the commitment from the de facto minister to ensure classes continue during discussions. Also read | Taliban selling tickets to ruins of iconic Bamian Buddhas it blasted two decades ago "As the lead agency for the education cluster in Afghanistan, UNICEF is engaged in constructive discussions with the de facto Ministry of Education and appreciates the commitment from the de facto minister to keep all ... classes continuing while discussions take place about timelines and practicalities," said Mort. She emphasised that "In order to minimise disruption to children's learning, it is imperative that any handover to national NGOs is done strategically and includes comprehensive assessment and capacity building." The Ministry of Education has not publicly confirmed the reported policy change. Taliban and Education in Afghanistan Since assuming power in 2021, the Taliban has closed most secondary schools for girls, prevented female students from attending universities, and restricted the participation of Afghan women in aid groups and the United Nations. This has apparently been done in adherence to their strict interpretation of Islamic law. The Taliban's rapid and unexpected takeover of Afghanistan after a 20-year insurgency against US-led forces has created significant challenges and uncertainties for Afghanistan's education system. Also read | Selective WhatsApp ban on hardliners hits Taliban's functioning in Afghanistan For long, international organisations have played a significant role in education projects in Afghanistan. UNICEF currently operates numerous community-based classes, including those catering to 300,000 girls, often held in rural homes. As per Reuters, UNICEF reached an agreement with the Taliban to operate community classes before their takeover. However, this month, two "humanitarian sources" informed the news agency that aid agencies had been informed that provincial authorities were directed to exclude international organisations from education projects. This could possibly happen within a few weeks. The move, if implemented, can be a significant setback. A United Nations spokesperson in New York described the move as a "horrendous step backwards." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Taliban to stop involvement of international organisations in education projects: Report

Zainab, a thirteen-year-old, was compelled to choose a wedding dress instead of&nbsp;a new school uniform as there is&nbsp;no chance of girls' schools reopening in Afghanistan.&nbsp;Many young girls have been married off since the Taliban took over Kabul and forbade them from attending school, many of them to considerably older men of their father's choosing.

"I cried a lot and kept telling my father that the Taliban would reopen girls' schools," Zainab said, as reported by AFP.

"But he said that's not going to happen, and it's better that I get married rather than sit idle at home."

Within hours of the prospective husband's arrival, Zainab's&nbsp;wedding date was set, along with his offer of a few sheep, goats, and four sacks of rice as bride price, which is a long-standing tradition in rural Afghanistan.&nbsp;

Zainab moved in with her new in-laws and her husband, who is 17 years older than her, as is customary.&nbsp;

The only place in the world where girls cannot attend secondary education is&nbsp;Afghanistan.

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Many parents have accelerated the marriage of teenage daughters who have been largely sequestered in their homes since the Taliban stopped their schooling.

There was a fleeting optimism that, in contrast to their cruel, austere reign in the 1990s, the Taliban might grant more freedoms to women when they retook power in the nation in August of last year.&nbsp;

But the covert supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada cancelled the education ministry's plans to reopen girls' schools in March.

(with inputs from agencies)

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1  width=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe>

Zainab, a thirteen-year-old, was compelled to choose a wedding dress instead of a new school uniform as there is no chance of girls' schools reopening in Afghanistan.

Zainab, a thirteen-year-old, was compelled to choose a wedding dress instead of a new school uniform as there is no chance of girls' schools reopening in Afghanistan. Many young girls have been married off since the Taliban took over Kabul and forbade them from attending school, many of them to considerably older men of their father's choosing. "I cried a lot and kept telling my father that the Taliban would reopen girls' schools," Zainab said, as reported by AFP. "But he said that's not going to happen, and it's better that I get married rather than sit idle at home." Within hours of the prospective husband's arrival, Zainab's wedding date was set, along with his offer of a few sheep, goats, and four sacks of rice as bride price, which is a long-standing tradition in rural Afghanistan. Zainab moved in with her new in-laws and her husband, who is 17 years older than her, as is customary. The only place in the world where girls cannot attend secondary education is Afghanistan. Also Read: Earthquake of magnitude 7.1 strikes Tonga, tsunami warning issued Many parents have accelerated the marriage of teenage daughters who have been largely sequestered in their homes since the Taliban stopped their schooling. There was a fleeting optimism that, in contrast to their cruel, austere reign in the 1990s, the Taliban might grant more freedoms to women when they retook power in the nation in August of last year. But the covert supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada cancelled the education ministry's plans to reopen girls' schools in March. (with inputs from agencies)

'Idle' Afghan girls married off with no prospect of schools reopening

The World Bank has suspended four projects worth $600 million in Afghanistan in response to the Taliban barring girls from attending high school.

The projects aimed at improving education, health and agriculture, among others. They were to be funded under the revamped Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund (ARTF), which was frozen

They also had a "strong focus on ensuring that girls and women participate and benefit from the support," the bank had said earlier, reports Reuters.

The bank’s guidance requires all ARTF-financed activities to support access to —and equity of services for —women and girls in Afghanistan, the bank said, citing its deep concerns over the Taliban's ban on girls attending high school, reports the Reuters.

Hence, the bank asserted that the four projects will be approved only "when the World Bank and international partners have a better understanding of the situation and confidence that the goals of the projects can be met."

Also read |&nbsp;'<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/every-afghan-girl-has-right-to-education-us-allies-slam-taliban-ban-on-girls-education-465293">Every Afghan girl has right to education': US, allies slam Taliban ban on girls' education</a>

Last week, the Taliban said it is reversing its decision to allow schools to open for girls following&nbsp;months-long restriction.&nbsp;The militant organisation argued&nbsp;that they are yet to arrive at a decision over uniforms for female students in accordance with "Sharia law and Afghan tradition".

The move drew international condemnation, with protesters thronging the office of the Ministry of Education in the country's capital Kabul on Saturday to demand that the schools be reopened.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nationwide-protests-if-afghan-girls-schools-stay-shut-activists-466010">Nationwide protests if Afghan girls' schools stay shut: Activists</a>

On Friday, a joint statement by officials from 10 countries, including the US and UK, described the Taliban's actions as "profoundly disturbing".

The US State Department has also cancelled meetings with the Taliban, which were scheduled to take place in Qatar.

(With inputs from agencies)

The World Bank has suspended four projects worth $600 million in Afghanistan in response to the Taliban barring girls from attending high school. The projects aimed at improving education, health and agriculture, among others.

The World Bank has suspended four projects worth $600 million in Afghanistan in response to the Taliban barring girls from attending high school. The projects aimed at improving education, health and agriculture, among others. They were to be funded under the revamped Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund (ARTF), which was frozen They also had a "strong focus on ensuring that girls and women participate and benefit from the support," the bank had said earlier, reports Reuters. The bank’s guidance requires all ARTF-financed activities to support access to —and equity of services for —women and girls in Afghanistan, the bank said, citing its deep concerns over the Taliban's ban on girls attending high school, reports the Reuters. Hence, the bank asserted that the four projects will be approved only "when the World Bank and international partners have a better understanding of the situation and confidence that the goals of the projects can be met." Also read | 'Every Afghan girl has right to education': US, allies slam Taliban ban on girls' education Last week, the Taliban said it is reversing its decision to allow schools to open for girls following months-long restriction. The militant organisation argued that they are yet to arrive at a decision over uniforms for female students in accordance with "Sharia law and Afghan tradition". The move drew international condemnation, with protesters thronging the office of the Ministry of Education in the country's capital Kabul on Saturday to demand that the schools be reopened. Also read | Nationwide protests if Afghan girls' schools stay shut: Activists On Friday, a joint statement by officials from 10 countries, including the US and UK, described the Taliban's actions as "profoundly disturbing". The US State Department has also cancelled meetings with the Taliban, which were scheduled to take place in Qatar. (With inputs from agencies)

World Bank suspends projects in Afghanistan after Taliban prohibit girls from school

Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai on Sunday said she was concerned that the Taliban's block on girls' education in Afghanistan will not be temporary, as claimed.

Yousafzai, who was shot by the Pakistani Taliban in 2012 for campaigning for girls' education, told the BBC's Andrew Marr Show that "I'm afraid that this ban that they have announced right now that they're calling temporary might not actually be temporary."

A similar ban in 1996 "lasted for five years", she pointed out.

After seizing power in August, the hardline Islamist Taliban in September excluded girls from returning to secondary school while ordering boys back to class.

The Taliban have claimed they will allow girls to return once they have ensured security and stricter segregation under their interpretation of Islamic law -- but many are sceptical.&nbsp;

"We're calling on the Taliban to immediately allow girls to have access to their complete education, we're calling on G20 leaders and other world leaders to ensure that girls' rights are protected in Afghanistan," said Yousafzai.

The 24-year-old activist, who revealed on Twitter this week that she had tied the knot with partner Asser Malik, sent an open letter last month urging the ban be reversed.

When she was 15, Yousafzai was shot in the head by militants from the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, an offshoot of the Afghan Taliban, in her home town in the Swat valley while on a school bus.

She recovered after months of treatment at home and abroad before co-writing a best-selling memoir titled "I am Malala."

Yousafzai was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize as a 17-year-old in 2014, sharing the award with Kailash Satyarthi, a children's rights activist from India.

She graduated last year from the University of Oxford with a degree in philosophy, politics and economics.

Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai on Sunday said she was concerned that the Taliban's block on girls' education in Afghanistan will not be temporary, as claimed.

Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai on Sunday said she was concerned that the Taliban's block on girls' education in Afghanistan will not be temporary, as claimed. Yousafzai, who was shot by the Pakistani Taliban in 2012 for campaigning for girls' education, told the BBC's Andrew Marr Show that "I'm afraid that this ban that they have announced right now that they're calling temporary might not actually be temporary." A similar ban in 1996 "lasted for five years", she pointed out. After seizing power in August, the hardline Islamist Taliban in September excluded girls from returning to secondary school while ordering boys back to class. The Taliban have claimed they will allow girls to return once they have ensured security and stricter segregation under their interpretation of Islamic law -- but many are sceptical. "We're calling on the Taliban to immediately allow girls to have access to their complete education, we're calling on G20 leaders and other world leaders to ensure that girls' rights are protected in Afghanistan," said Yousafzai. The 24-year-old activist, who revealed on Twitter this week that she had tied the knot with partner Asser Malik, sent an open letter last month urging the ban be reversed. When she was 15, Yousafzai was shot in the head by militants from the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, an offshoot of the Afghan Taliban, in her home town in the Swat valley while on a school bus. She recovered after months of treatment at home and abroad before co-writing a best-selling memoir titled "I am Malala." Yousafzai was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize as a 17-year-old in 2014, sharing the award with Kailash Satyarthi, a children's rights activist from India. She graduated last year from the University of Oxford with a degree in philosophy, politics and economics.

Nobel winner Malala fears Taliban will keep girls out of school

According to reports, the Taliban have ordered hairdressers in Afghanistan's Helmand province not to shave or trim beards.

A notice issued by the provincial ministry for the propagation of virtue and prevention of vice reportedly said that those who violate&nbsp;the directive will be punished. The ministry has banned stylish hairstyles in Helmand province.

Reports say the Taliban has also ordered saloon owners not to play music inside the premises. The Taliban order says hairdressers should follow Sharia Law while shaving beards and cutting hair.

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The hardline group had imposed a ban on stylish haircuts while preventing men from growing beards during its tumultuous rule from 1996 to 2001.

Reports say barbers across the country had already moved to ensure they are not targeted&nbsp;by the Taliban as the militant group came to power last month as they began cutting down on fashionable styles.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-hang-four-bodies-from-cranes-in-herat-call-it-lesson-for-kidnappers-415958">Also Read:&nbsp;Taliban hang four bodies from cranes in Herat, call it 'lesson' for kidnappers</a>

Taliban's latest move comes as one of its leaders Mullah Nooruddin Turabi said executions will return in the country.

Turabi was the justice minister in the Taliban government in the 90s. Taliban have also prevented girls from attending schools so far, even though spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said girls in Afghanistan will return to school "as soon as possible" without specifying a date.

Taliban's education ministry had earlier ordered boys to return to school after it swept to power, however, there was no directive on allowing girls to go to school.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/decoding-taliban-apologist-imran-khans-speech-at-unga-a-rant-mixed-with-lies-and-fiction-415951">Also Read:&nbsp;Decoding Taliban apologist Imran Khan's speech at UNGA</a>

The group has been criticised for not allowing women in the cabinet, also the lack of inclusive government has angered many in the country.&nbsp;

However, Taliban spokesman Mujahid tried to put forward the government's view asserting that women will be "appointed to certain positions in the necessary sections", however, he did not set any timeline or the cabinet position which women are likely to be offered in the new government. &nbsp;

(With inputs from Agencies)&nbsp;

According to reports, the Taliban have ordered hairdressers in Afghanistan's Helmand province not to shave or trim beards. A notice issued by the provincial ministry for the propagation of virtue and prevention of vice reportedly said that those who violate the directive will be punished.

According to reports, the Taliban have ordered hairdressers in Afghanistan's Helmand province not to shave or trim beards. A notice issued by the provincial ministry for the propagation of virtue and prevention of vice reportedly said that those who violate the directive will be punished. The ministry has banned stylish hairstyles in Helmand province. Reports say the Taliban has also ordered saloon owners not to play music inside the premises. The Taliban order says hairdressers should follow Sharia Law while shaving beards and cutting hair. Also Read: Under Taliban rule, Afghan fighters test their mettle in Kabul pits The hardline group had imposed a ban on stylish haircuts while preventing men from growing beards during its tumultuous rule from 1996 to 2001. Reports say barbers across the country had already moved to ensure they are not targeted by the Taliban as the militant group came to power last month as they began cutting down on fashionable styles. Also Read: Taliban hang four bodies from cranes in Herat, call it 'lesson' for kidnappers Taliban's latest move comes as one of its leaders Mullah Nooruddin Turabi said executions will return in the country. Turabi was the justice minister in the Taliban government in the 90s. Taliban have also prevented girls from attending schools so far, even though spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said girls in Afghanistan will return to school "as soon as possible" without specifying a date. Taliban's education ministry had earlier ordered boys to return to school after it swept to power, however, there was no directive on allowing girls to go to school. Also Read: Decoding Taliban apologist Imran Khan's speech at UNGA The group has been criticised for not allowing women in the cabinet, also the lack of inclusive government has angered many in the country. However, Taliban spokesman Mujahid tried to put forward the government's view asserting that women will be "appointed to certain positions in the necessary sections", however, he did not set any timeline or the cabinet position which women are likely to be offered in the new government. (With inputs from Agencies)

Taliban orders barbers in Helmand province not to shave or trim beards

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said girls in Afghanistan will return to school "as soon as possible", however, he added that&nbsp;"a safe learning environment" needed to be created.

Mujahid claimed that the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/fought-taliban-with-stones-stories-of-resistance-from-panjshir-emerge-414488">Taliban</a> government has funds to pay government employees but it needs "time to get the process working".

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"Ministry of education is working hard to lay the groundwork for the education of high school girls," Mujahid announced while adding that a new "framework" is being worked upon.

Last week the Taliban's newly formed education ministry had declared that boys will be allowed to return to schools but did not mention girls even as Mujahid maintained that schools meant for girls will be reopened although he did not set&nbsp;a date.&nbsp;

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"We are trying to strengthen the cabinet further, women will be appointed to certain positions in the necessary sections," Mujahid said.

The Taliban spokesman said the group expected European countries including others to "strengthen"&nbsp;diplomatic relations and to "recognise our government".

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Mujahid said that Islamic State&nbsp;that "exists in Iraq and Syria does not exist" in Afghanistan. &nbsp;"Islamic State has no physical presence in Afghanistan and only invisibly carries out some cowardly attacks," the Taliban spokesman said.

Watch: Crime rate in Kabul zero since Taliban's takeover, claims city mayor

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/kabul-mayor-crime-rate-in-kabul-at-zero-since-the-taliban-takeover-414583/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Mujahid vowed to stop the Islamic State&nbsp;although he said that "some people" in the country have "adopted the Islamic State's&nbsp;mentality", but it is not supported by the people in the country.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said girls in Afghanistan will return to school "as soon as possible", however, he added that "a safe learning environment" needed to be created.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said girls in Afghanistan will return to school "as soon as possible", however, he added that "a safe learning environment" needed to be created. Mujahid claimed that the Taliban government has funds to pay government employees but it needs "time to get the process working". Also Read: Afghanistan's women judges fear reprisal, stay in hiding "Ministry of education is working hard to lay the groundwork for the education of high school girls," Mujahid announced while adding that a new "framework" is being worked upon. Last week the Taliban's newly formed education ministry had declared that boys will be allowed to return to schools but did not mention girls even as Mujahid maintained that schools meant for girls will be reopened although he did not set a date. Also Read: Taliban's Mullah Baradar's influence fades as Pakistan's ISI backs Haqqani Network "We are trying to strengthen the cabinet further, women will be appointed to certain positions in the necessary sections," Mujahid said. The Taliban spokesman said the group expected European countries including others to "strengthen" diplomatic relations and to "recognise our government". Also Read: Islamic scholars to decide role of women in Afghanistan, says Kabul Mayor Mujahid said that Islamic State that "exists in Iraq and Syria does not exist" in Afghanistan. "Islamic State has no physical presence in Afghanistan and only invisibly carries out some cowardly attacks," the Taliban spokesman said. Watch: Crime rate in Kabul zero since Taliban's takeover, claims city mayor Mujahid vowed to stop the Islamic State although he said that "some people" in the country have "adopted the Islamic State's mentality", but it is not supported by the people in the country. (With inputs from Agencies)

Girls in Afghanistan to return to school 'as soon as possible', say Taliban