RASC News Agency: Reports indicate that female students in Afghanistan, facing educational restrictions imposed by the Taliban, are turning to online educational programs provided by foreign universities. Recently, the “People” Online University in America and the “Open” University in Great Britain announced a surge in requests from Afghanistani female students seeking participation in their online training courses. As of the Financial Times report on January 2nd, at least 21,000 students have registered for online education at the People’s University in the United States, with a significant number opting for courses in business, computer science, and health sciences. To safeguard the identities of these students from the Taliban, the university has agreed to train them under pseudonyms within their online educational centers.
In addition to the People’s University, the “Future Line” online education network established by the British “Open” University has also witnessed a substantial enrollment of students, including many girls. The university has granted free access to education for female applicants, offering over 1,200 online training courses across various departments, with a particular emphasis on English language training. However, officials from both institutions emphasize the lack of internet access in Afghanistan as a significant challenge, often impeding effective learning.
Overall, the commendable efforts of these online educational institutions to provide opportunities for Afghanistani female students to pursue education despite Taliban-imposed restrictions are noteworthy. By offering online training courses and ensuring the safety and anonymity of the students, these universities play a crucial role in empowering Afghanistani women and promoting education under challenging circumstances.
