Author: Mahdi Mozaffari In their latest restrictive measure against women, the caretaker government has banned the education of girls in medical institutes across Afghanistan "until further notice." According to reports from Afghan news agencies, officials from medical institutes in Kabul and other provinces have confirmed that the Ministry of Public Health issued this directive to all these centers last week. Available information indicates that this ban was directly ordered by Hibatullah Akhundzada, the leader of the government based in Kandahar, and the Ministry of Public Health has been tasked with its implementation. One official from a medical institute in Kabul emphasized in conversations with some journalists that this directive was issued under the direct supervision of the government leader and applies to all private and public medical training centers. In this context, an audio message attributed to a government official has been circulated, addressing the heads of medical institutes, stating that the education of female students is prohibited until further notice. This message also warns that government intelligence forces will closely monitor medical institutes, and if they observe the presence of girls in these centers, they will shut them down. This message, which has rapidly circulated on social media, has raised serious concerns. Several female students in Kabul have also confirmed this ban, stating that they have been instructed to refrain from attending their classes. This action by the current rulers is a continuation of the extensive restrictions they have imposed on women and girls in Afghanistan, causing deep concern among the local community and international human rights organizations. Many observers believe that this decision directly limits educational and employment opportunities for women and will have irreparable negative consequences for the country's health system. Complete Exclusion of Women and Girls from the Education Cycle in Afghanistan The current government has taken the final step toward the complete exclusion of women and girls from the education cycle in Afghanistan by banning the education of girls in medical institutes. Previously, public and private medical institutes served as the only remaining educational opportunity for Afghan girls, allowing women to continue their two-year studies in these centers. Many girls utilized this pathway to improve their professional and living conditions. Now, with the implementation of this ban, the rulers have eliminated the last hopes for women's education, completely depriving them of access to learning. This prohibition is part of the systematic policies of the government aimed at removing women from the fields of education and employment in Afghanistan. After seizing power, this group initially prohibited all girls above the sixth grade from attending school. This restriction has been in place for over three years, leaving approximately one and a half million adolescent girls deprived of their right to education in schools. Subsequently, the caretaker government made another decision to ban women's education in public and private universities, preventing thousands of female students, including final-year students, from continuing their studies. These actions, carried out with a gradual yet targeted strategy, have ultimately led to the complete removal of women and girls from the country's educational system. The government's policies not only isolate women and girls from education but also deprive Afghan society of the active participation of half its population in educational, health, and social affairs. This regressive approach, often justified with phrases like "until further notice," has practically fueled a cycle of inequality, poverty, and dependency for Afghan women and has drawn widespread criticism from the international community and human rights organizations. The Last Glimmer of Hope Has Also Been Closed Several female students in Kabul studying at private medical institutes have expressed "deep despair" and "serious concern" over the ban on education in these centers. In conversations with local journalists, these students stated that education at these institutes was their last hope for achieving a bright future. With this avenue now closed, they see all their educational opportunities as lost and face an uncertain and bleak future. This ban represents another blow to the hopes of girls who have struggled for years to attain academic and professional standing. One student mentioned that her family had been covering her tuition at a private medical institute despite numerous economic hardships. She was only one semester away from graduation, and according to her, all her efforts to gain expertise in a field she was passionate about have now gone to waste. Another student, who previously studied economics at Kabul University, explained that after the ban on female students at universities, she was forced to drop out and spent two years at home. She suffered from depression and psychological pressure due to being deprived of education but eventually decided to enroll in a private medical institute to pursue a two-year program. She said she had only completed one semester when the current rulers once again halted her education. Many other students share similar feelings of despair and lack of motivation. They believe that all their efforts have been in vain and that they have lost their futures. These students say that each time they hoped for a fresh start and sought alternative paths, the government blocked all remaining avenues with new decisions. These actions have not only had severe psychological and social impacts on these girls but have also deprived Afghan society of their academic and professional capacities. While the international community condemns these actions, the lives of Afghan girls continue to be destroyed under the shadow of restrictions and repression. Consequences and Impacts of Excluding Women from the Education Cycle Psychological and Social Impacts The complete prohibition of Afghan girls from education has left profound and widespread psychological consequences on this segment of society. Many girls who sought their dreams in academic and professional fields are now grappling with feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, and depression. This systematic deprivation has isolated them from society and fostered a sense of identity crisis among Afghan girls. Furthermore, this decision has had extensive negative impacts on families, as many parents who have strived for their children's education have now lost hope for their future. This situation can lead to an increase in family problems, including psychological and economic tensions, and severely undermine social cohesion. Economic and Professional Impacts The prohibition of girls' education will also have destructive effects on the economic development and workforce of Afghanistan. By excluding half of the population from the education cycle, Afghanistan will face a severe shortage of skilled workers in key areas such as healthcare, education, and management in the future. This situation not only eliminates economic opportunities for women but also deprives the country of their effective and constructive participation. Particularly in the healthcare sector, women play a vital role as nurses, caregivers, and doctors; their exclusion from education could paralyze the country's health system. This shortage of skilled professionals will increase Afghanistan's dependency on foreign aid and hinder sustainable economic growth. Cultural Impacts and Future Generations The deprivation of girls from education will have a detrimental effect on Afghanistan's cultural future. Education is a key factor in nurturing informed and empowered generations, and by eliminating this opportunity, the risk of perpetuating cycles of poverty, ignorance, and extremism increases. In the absence of educated girls, traditional and restrictive roles for women become further entrenched, leaving society deprived of the benefits of women's capabilities in decision-making and leadership roles. Additionally, children who grow up in families where their mothers have been denied education will have less chance of experiencing a suitable educational and cultural environment. This prohibition, in the long term, will inflict irreparable damage on Afghanistan's cultural, social, and scientific advancement, placing the country on a path of regression.

Author: Mahdi Mozaffari One of the constant concerns of parents is finding appropriate methods to assist their children with academic issues and studies. Given the rapid developments in the educational system, the diversity of teaching methods, and the increasing complexity of textbook content, many parents feel they lack the necessary skills to guide and support their children on this journey. This concern becomes particularly pronounced when parents are not adequately familiar with current educational methods. In such situations, parents seek practical and effective solutions to best support their children in the learning process. Creating a suitable study environment, setting specific times for homework, encouraging and reinforcing a spirit of effort and perseverance in the child, and most importantly, maintaining close cooperation with the child's teacher are among the strategies that can significantly assist parents in this regard. This article will explore each of these strategies in more detail so that parents can play an effective role in their children's educational success. Considerations of Individual Differences among Children Every child is a small, unique world. Just as no two fingerprints are identical, children's talents, abilities, learning speeds, and learning styles also differ from one another. These differences represent a valuable treasure of potentials that, with proper recognition and nurturing, can contribute to a child's flourishing. Parents and educators play a crucial role in discovering and nurturing these differences. Instead of placing children into predetermined molds and comparing them to each other, we should pay attention to each child's strengths and weaknesses. By accurately understanding our child's unique characteristics, we can design educational and developmental programs tailored to them, helping them grow in areas where they have greater talent. For example, a child with artistic talent can participate in painting or music classes instead of being forced to focus hours on mathematics. Paying attention to individual differences not only aids in children's growth and development but also boosts their self-confidence. A child who feels acknowledged and supported, with their talents recognized, will have greater motivation for learning and effort. Additionally, this approach helps reduce stress and anxiety in children as well. Establishing a Study Habit: The Cornerstone of Academic Success Establishing a study habit is the cornerstone of academic success. This habit not only improves a child's grades and performance in school but also enhances their cognitive skills. Setting a specific time each day for studying helps the child make this activity an integral part of their daily routine. Creating a regular routine prepares the brain for learning and increases focus. Choosing a quiet and distraction-free space, such as a designated study corner in the child's room, can provide an ideal environment for studying. Additionally, providing necessary tools such as books, notebooks, and appropriate stationery can motivate the child to study more effectively. It is also crucial to create a realistic and achievable study schedule. This plan should include breaks and time for the child's favorite activities to prevent fatigue and boredom. Learning Effective Study Methods: A Key to Deep Understanding Teaching children various study methods is one of the most effective ways to enhance their learning quality and strengthen their ability to understand and retain information. These methods not only help them grasp concepts better but also make the learning process an engaging and enjoyable experience. One such method is summarization, which teaches the child how to extract important and key information from texts and convert it into simpler and more understandable language. This skill not only strengthens their memory but also assists them in organizing their thoughts and information. On the other hand, using mind maps is a powerful tool for understanding the connections between different concepts. These maps help the child visually organize information and visualize complex concepts in simple, comprehensible diagrams, which is particularly useful for learning concepts with extensive interconnections. Moreover, flashcards are another popular and effective tool for quick review of material and strengthening both short-term and long-term memory. By using flashcards, the child can systematically review concepts and identify their weaknesses in learning. This method is especially beneficial for learning new vocabulary, mathematical formulas, and important dates. Encouraging the child to ask questions related to their subjects and seek answers through various resources is another effective method for active learning. This approach ensures that the child does not become a passive learner but instead engages with curiosity and interest in exploring and understanding concepts deeply. Overall, learning these methods makes the child's study process more effective and purposeful, while also fostering skills that will be valuable throughout their life. Combining these methods with support and supervision from parents and teachers can create a positive and constructive learning experience for the child. Using Diverse Educational Resources: Enriching Learning and Strengthening Conceptual Understanding Utilizing diverse educational resources is one of the best strategies for enhancing children's learning processes, as these resources allow for the examination of concepts from various angles and help them develop a deeper and more lasting understanding of the curriculum. Supplementary educational books, which often include various exercises and additional explanations, can assist children in expanding their skills alongside the main content of their textbooks. Additionally, educational software and interactive applications enable children to learn through more engaging methods such as educational games, digital quizzes, and scientific simulations. This type of interactive learning can help increase a child's motivation and interest, turning learning into an enjoyable experience. Websites and educational platforms also serve as rich and varied sources for self-directed learning. These resources often include instructional videos, explanatory articles, and online quizzes that children can use to strengthen their weaknesses and review concepts. In particular, educational videos can explain complex concepts in a simple and comprehensible manner using visuals, animations, and practical examples. Utilizing such tools helps children learn subjects they may not have fully understood in class through self-study and allows them to engage in additional exercises to solidify their knowledge. Moreover, diverse educational resources can encourage children to experience learning beyond the classroom environment and explore new and creative aspects of the material. This not only enhances their analytical and problem-solving abilities but also transforms learning into an exciting and dynamic activity. Parents and teachers can play a crucial role in enriching the learning process by identifying suitable resources and guiding children to utilize them, thereby creating an environment where children can reach the best version of their capabilities. Encouragement and Appreciation: Fueling Motivation, Confidence, and Sustainable Growth in Children Encouragement and appreciation of children's efforts and progress, no matter how small, play a fundamental role in shaping their motivation and boosting their confidence. This practice not only fosters a sense of value and importance in the child but also encourages them to continue their learning journey and strive harder. When children see that their parents, teachers, or peers recognize and appreciate their efforts, it creates an internal motivation to try again and face challenges. Importantly, the focus should not solely be on final outcomes, such as grades or rankings; rather, emphasizing the effort and perseverance the child has shown is of greater significance. For instance, even if a child does not achieve an excellent score on a test or project, acknowledging the time they spent studying or the effort they made to solve problems can help maintain their sense of satisfaction and motivation. This approach teaches the child that failure or lack of success is a natural part of growth and learning, and that consistent effort and perseverance will ultimately lead to positive results. Furthermore, expressing appreciation in various ways—such as verbal praise, smiles, hugs, or small rewards—can have a profound impact on the child's morale and self-confidence. Collaboration with Teachers: A Strong Bridge between Home and School for Children's Academic Success Close and ongoing collaboration between parents and teachers is one of the fundamental steps in supporting a child's academic progress. This effective communication allows parents to gain precise insights into their child's academic status, strengths and weaknesses, as well as the challenges they face. Teachers, due to their daily interactions with children and familiarity with teaching methods, are valuable sources of information and guidance that parents can use to implement appropriate educational strategies at home. By consulting with teachers, parents can learn how to assist their child in areas where they need improvement while also encouraging them to build on their strengths. In addition, discussing educational approaches and school expectations with teachers helps parents better understand their child's curriculum and assignments, allowing them to act in a way that is coordinated with the school. Teachers can introduce appropriate educational resources and supplementary books to parents, which enables the child to strengthen their learning process at home using suitable tools. Moreover, regular and constructive communication between parents and teachers provides the child with a sense of security and support, as they see that adults are working to help them succeed. This collaboration can be established through participation in parent-teacher meetings, continuous monitoring of academic performance reports, and even periodic calls with the teacher. When parents and teachers act in alignment, not only are the child's academic issues identified and addressed more quickly, but their motivation and confidence also significantly increase. Therefore, a strong and active connection between home and school is key to supporting the child and creating an appropriate environment for their academic success and overall growth.