Taliban Ban World Teachers’ Day Celebrations in Afghanistan Schools

DID Press: Officials at several private schools in Afghanistan say the Taliban-run Ministry of Education has banned schools from holding any ceremonies or events to mark World Teachers’ Day, with the directive reportedly circulated to schools in several provinces through WhatsApp groups.

The school officials told local media on Monday, October 5, that the instruction had been sent through WhatsApp groups to school administrators in several provinces.

According to the officials, the message said that holding ceremonies to mark World Teachers’ Day was not permitted under a direct order from the Taliban leadership, and schools had been instructed to refrain from organizing such programs.

Taliban officials have not so far publicly explained the reported directive or the reasons for preventing schools from holding Teachers’ Day ceremonies.

The reported ban is consistent with previous restrictions on Teachers’ Day celebrations. In October 2024, Radio Free Afghanistan reported that Taliban authorities had instructed schools in Kabul and several provinces not to hold Teachers’ Day events. A similar written directive was issued in Herat in October 2025, banning public and private schools from holding Teachers’ Day celebrations.

World Teachers’ Day is observed annually on October 5 and has been celebrated internationally since 1994.

The reported restriction comes as Afghanistan’s education system continues to face major changes and restrictions under Taliban rule, including the continued exclusion of girls from secondary education. Current reports also indicate that Afghan teachers face significant economic and employment challenges.