Kabul: With education banned beyond Grade 6 for girls in Afghanistan, many are turning to madrassas — religious schools — to continue learning, even as their dreams of becoming doctors or professionals fade.

Thirteen-year-old Nahideh, who collects water from a shrine to sell to mourners after school, will soon join a madrassa instead of a secondary school. “If I could go to school then I could learn and become a doctor. But I can't,” she said.

Since the Taliban returned to power, secondary and higher education for girls has been banned — making Afghanistan the only country with such restrictions. As a result, madrassas remain one of the few avenues for learning.

“Since the schools are closed to girls, they see this as an opportunity,” said Zahid-ur-Rehman Sahibi, director of the Tasnim Nasrat Islamic Sciences Educational Center in Kabul. Of the centre's 400 students, 90 per cent are female.

Students at the madrassa learn the Quran, Islamic jurisprudence, and Arabic. Many still harbour aspirations beyond religious education. “If my family sees I am committed to the Quran, they may allow me to study medicine,” said 25-year-old Faiza.

Even some teachers support broader education. “Islam recommends learning modern sciences,” Sahibi said.

While official figures are unavailable, over 3 million students were enrolled in madrassas as of last year, according to the Ministry of Education.

The ban remains controversial. UNICEF warns that by 2030, over 4 million girls could be denied education beyond primary school, with severe consequences for Afghanistan's future.