Afghan youth turn to education against extremism

In recent years, hundreds of young Afghans pursuing higher education have signaled a notable shift in attitudes among the country's youth.

A generation raised under war, extremism and insecurity is increasingly committed to advanced education and long-term personal development.

These Afghan youths, unlike extremist groups such as al-Qaeda that promote violence and radicalism, have chosen a path centered on knowledge, awareness and progress.

The growing interest in advanced higher education demonstrates clear opposition to extremist ideologies promoted by terrorist organizations.

Despite economic hardships and unemployment, these youths continue pursuing education while striving to develop specialized and practical skills.

It also represents a broader effort toward national development and resistance against extremist influence within communities.

These youths recognize that extremism offers no future, while education creates opportunities for growth, stability and long-term progress.

Modern education provides Afghan youth with stronger resilience against propaganda and distorted narratives promoted by extremist groups.

Combating extremist ideology

Some young people emphasize that extremism has brought only destruction and long-term setbacks to Afghanistan's social and economic development.

Muhammad Omar Ahmadi, a master's program student in Herat province, said that his goal is rebuilding Afghanistan and overcoming cycles of poverty and stagnation.

"For more than five decades, our country has been consumed by war and extremism, and an entire generation has lived in deprivation and poverty," he told Salaam Times.

"By creating a different environment, we want to rebuild our country through knowledge and education," he added.

The destruction caused by terrorists has motivated educated youths to rebuild the country using knowledge and practical capabilities, he said.

Access to education and diverse academic resources has contributed to rejecting extremist narratives among younger generations.

By comparing Afghanistan with other countries, many youths concluded that stability and prosperity are achieved through education rather than extremist ideologies.

This growing awareness reflects a generational effort to shape a different and more constructive future.

Uprooting the roots of extremism

In the past three weeks, nearly 700 students enrolled in bachelor's programs and about 100 in master's programs at a single university in Herat city.

These students succeeded among thousands of applicants in competitive entrance exams and pursued higher education opportunities.

Other universities in provinces including Kabul have expanded access to master's and doctoral programs for Afghan youth.

This shift toward academic environments directly challenges extremist ideologies and promotes a culture of knowledge and critical thinking.

Academic spaces provide opportunities for open dialogue, allowing students to exchange ideas freely and explore different perspectives without fear.

This environment strengthens critical thinking skills, which are essential for rejecting extremist narratives and misleading ideological messaging.

Attending classes significantly changed his mindset and reduced negative thinking, said Abdul Hadi Wasel, a master's program student in Herat.

"Alongside modern sciences, religious studies are also taught by educated professors, and my understanding of some extremist groups has changed," he said.