Building Disaster-Resilient Schools for Girls’ Education in Earthquake-hit Afghanistan

On 7 October 2023, a series of powerful earthquakes struck Herat, Western Afghanistan, claiming thousands of lives, destroying homes, roads, and schools—critical infrastructure that once connected and gave hope of a better life for Afghan communities. Among the damaged buildings was Chahar Dara High School, where 9-year-old Sunbul, a third grader who dreams of becoming a teacher, studied. 

For Sunbul, going to school was a constant fear, but still, she continued to attend classes. “There were cracks everywhere, in walls, in the roof, in hallways, and everywhere,” she recalls. “It made me feel unsafe, and I was not able to focus on my lessons.”

Herat’s harsh, windy climate, locally called 120-day winds, worsened the situation, leaving Sunbul and her classmates exposed to various hazards. “Windows were broken,” she says. “On windy days, dust filled the classroom, and I could hardly breathe.”

For Sunbul and hundreds of other students, the earthquake didn’t just crack walls, it disrupted their access to safe and available education. Without functioning buildings, toilets, or drinking water taps, being at school and learning became nearly impossible. Rebuilding these structures became a high priority to restore normalcy after the earthquake. 

Echoing Sunbul’s thoughts, her teacher, Ms. Tahira Roshan, commented, “The earthquake created a distressing sight and raised fears among students in the schools.” Acknowledging the anxiety felt by their parents, she continued, “I observed that many families were concerned about their children’s safety at school.”

Hope returned when UN-Habitat, with support from the Special Trust Fund for Afghanistan (STFA), launched a school rehabilitation project in Herat. Through this initiative, eight earthquake-hit schools were repaired, and six new ones are under construction — providing safer learning spaces for more than 16,800 students, both girls and boys – every year.

The project prioritized earthquake- and climate-resilient construction, improved ventilation, and used local labor and materials, creating jobs for affected families and fostering community ownership of the schools.

“When I first entered the new classroom, it was pure delight,” Sunbul says with a bright smile. “The classroom was rehabilitated, the walls were freshly painted, the fan was running, lights were working, and the blackboard looked perfect. It finally felt like a real classroom.”

Renovations also included new toilets and handwashing facilities, which, after the earthquake were unusable, and are now improving hygiene, protecting students’ health. Also, the schools’ rooftops are renovated with new climate-resilient materials like isogam (an anti-moisture and humidity insulator), to prevent rain leakages.

Today, Sunbul and her classmates feel both safe and motivated to attend school. “The classrooms are now safer, and everyone feels encouraged to continue their lessons,” she explains. “I always wanted to enjoy my time with classmates and teachers—and now I can.”

Looking towards the future, Sunbul dreams of becoming a teacher. “I will not give up my dream. I will keep on trying – and my school gives me hope.”

Ms. Tahira, expressing her positive thoughts about the change she has seen in the school since completion of repair works, said: “I have noticed a remarkable improvement in student attendance, with students coming to class regularly. The future of any community depends on the quality of education and achieving that requires a safe and supportive environment.”, thanking the STFA and UN-Habitat, she said.

“Building disaster-resilient schools is a crucial step towards advancing the inclusive recovery process in earthquake affected-areas and fostering hope for a better tomorrow of Afghanistan,” says Ms. Stephanie Loose, Country Programme Manager, UN-Habitat Afghanistan. “Afghan girls are being excluded from many parts of public life. Through rebuilding schools, but also improving their living conditions, we stand with them and support their rights in every possible way,” she added.

Note: Names (Sunbul and Tahira) are pseudonyms used to protect the individuals’ privacy.