Afghan families choose education over extremism

For nearly four decades, extremist groups, particularly al-Qaeda and similar movements, sought to restrict education and replace it with extremist ideologies.

They repeatedly attacked schools and educational centers while discouraging learning, especially for girls, through fear and intimidation.

Despite those pressures, many Afghan families have continued supporting education as the most important investment in their children's future.

Across cities and villages, families strive to keep children in school despite widespread poverty, unemployment, and limited opportunities.

For many families, education represents hope and a pathway toward stability, progress, and meaningful contributions to society.

They want their children to become doctors, engineers, teachers, and other professionals rather than victims of conflict and extremism.

This shift demonstrates a growing desire to build Afghanistan through learning and opportunity rather than violence and fear.

A determined father

In eastern part of Herat province, one disabled father exemplifies a strong commitment to education.

Muhammad Dawood, 44, who was paralyzed during childhood in a Soviet army airstrike in Herat, takes his eight-year-old daughter to school every morning.

He travels six kilometers each day under difficult conditions so his daughter, Masooma, can receive an education and pursue a better future.

Although Dawood never received a formal education because of poverty and disability, his daughter dreams of becoming a doctor and serving her country.

He propels the wheelchair with his hands and frequently stops along the route to rest.

For him, the road to school represents more than a daily commute; it symbolizes resistance to educational deprivation and extremism.

He believes girls’ education is essential to Afghanistan’s future and considers it a national necessity.

"My future is over, and only my daughter’s future matters to me. I want this child to go to school and study," he told Salaam Times.

"I hope all Afghan girls can study like my daughter and become educated."

Awareness against ignorance

Years of war, violence, and extremist propaganda have left Afghanistan among the countries most affected by conflict.

Despite those challenges, many young Afghans increasingly view education as the key to overcoming extremism and underdevelopment.

This outlook contrasts sharply with the ideology promoted by extremist organizations and reflects growing public rejection of such beliefs.

For years, extremist groups attempted to create fear and discourage participation in schools and universities.

Today, millions of Afghan children and young adults continue pursuing education despite severe economic difficulties and widespread poverty.

These developments suggest extremist ideas have failed to extinguish the public’s desire for knowledge and opportunity.

Education remains one of the strongest safeguards against radicalization and violent extremist recruitment.