Our Work

Afghanistan is home to one of the youngest populations in the world, making quality education critical to boosting economic growth and democratic development. Yet, societal challenges, including years of conflict and instability, impede equal access to education, especially for women and girls. USAID partners with a range of education providers so that all students–from primary school to university and from urban to rural– have an opportunity to receive a safe and quality education.

Major Highlights

Since 2008, USAID helped increase access to education for three million Afghan girls, many for the first time in their lives. Thanks in part to USAID, student enrollment grew from 900,000 male students in 2001 to more than 9.5 million students, 39 percent of whom are girls, in 2020.

Basic Education

Through the Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund, USAID helped make education more accessible to students by improving school infrastructure in rural areas in 17 provinces, rehabilitating existing schools, and strengthening community-based education.

To increase the pool of female teachers and extend learning opportunities to girls in rural areas, USAID provided two-year scholarships to nearly 11,500 women, giving them the opportunity to attend teacher training colleges.

Extending access to schooling, our 8,440 community-based education classes give 171,000 students, more than half of whom are girls, a place to learn.

Higher Education

USAID is helping Afghans pursue higher education and vocational training opportunities that will equip them with the knowledge and skills they need to meaningfully contribute to the workforce.

To connect colleges and universities with the needs of the labor market, USAID helped develop 31 new undergraduate and graduate degree programs.