21-year-old Ghutai from the Afghanistan Newsroom explains how online learning is a lifeline for young Afghans
Online education is increasingly important for young Afghans.
May 30, 2025
Afghanistan’s digital revolution is transforming education
The rise of online education in Afghanistan has become a crucial lifeline for students, especially as access to traditional schools has become restricted.
Since the Taliban returned to power in August 2021, girls are banned from secondary school and university, making Afghanistan the only country with such a policy – affecting over 1.4 million girls so far.
Boys can still attend school, but the quality of education has declined due to teacher shortages and the removal of key subjects such as arts, English and civic education. While girls face outright exclusion, boys experience a weakened and limited education system.
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Digital platforms are providing a new way for students to continue their education. This change is creating opportunities for Afghan youth, even though there are challenges.
In Afghanistan, online education is growing as more students are turning to the internet for learning. Platforms like Zoom and Google Classroom as well as local apps are helping students continue their studies. But there are challenges, such as poor internet access and lack of technology. They also may not know how to use digital tools. Despite these difficulties, many students are embracing online education as a way to keep learning and growing.
Some use mobile data to attend classes, while others have laptops or tablets that they share with family members. They also make use of free educational videos and resources on the internet. For many Afghan students, both male and female, online learning is not just about convenience, it is their only way to access education due to the general lack of schools.
Amina*, 17, shared her story of perseverance in the face of hardship: “There was a time when I had to borrow my neighbour’s phone to attend classes because my family couldn’t afford a smartphone. The internet connection was weak, and sometimes I couldn’t hear my teacher properly. But I didn’t give up. I took notes, asked friends for help, and kept pushing forward.”
“Many students face challenges, but I always tell them: where there is a will, there is a way. I record lessons so students can watch them later, I use voice messages for those with poor internet, and I encourage group discussions online. We have to make education flexible and accessible for everyone,” she explains.
Zuhal and other educators are working hard to ensure that students remain engaged despite these challenges.
For online learning to succeed in Afghanistan, the government and both local and international NGOs need to help. The government should invest in better internet access and technology. NGOs can provide students with resources – such as these from LEARN Afghan – training and support them to learn. By working together, they can help Afghan students overcome challenges and have access to the education they need.
Online learning is not just an alternative to traditional education, it is a lifeline for many Afghan students. With the right support, digital education can help Afghan youth gain knowledge and skills that will prepare them for a better future. The resilience of students like Amina and dedication of teachers like Zuhal show that the future of education in Afghanistan is still bright, despite the challenges.
*Names have been changed to protect identities
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