The accurate figure for illiteracy in Afghanistan is not available but for sure it is around 70 percent. This is due to the long term conflict in the country that has reversely impacted all economic, social, political and educational sectors. If the condition was better, Afghanistan would be one of the most educated, skilled and professional nations of the world.
The Taliban era was indeed the darkest ear in the history of education in Afghanistan. They had completely banned formal education. Boys were allowed to get education in religious schools only and girls were not allowed to get even that sort of education. Nevertheless, since the end of Taliban rule, tens of thousands of Afghan girls and boys are going to school. It is hoped that the new generation of Afghanistan will emerge with bright minds and change the fate of their country.
Afghanistan has still a long way to go. Most of the government offices suffer from low capacity of their employees. Improper education is one of the main factors behind such a condition. Lack of modern education has led to the problem of inadequate capacity in Afghanistan. In government offices, the required capacity for efficient operations is missing due to lack of professional employees.
The Afghans who had opportunities to get modern education in other countries have very little practical knowledge while those with better technical education and adequate experience have high salaries and better job environment both of which cannot be observed in government entities.
Lack of capacity in Afghan national and provincial offices has led to poor planning of activities and implementation of development and non-development projects. Although various training programs have been executed for civil servants inside and outside the country, the situation is not expected to change in short term and would go on lingering for at least next 15-20 years.
With the assistance of international community, Afghanistan was expected to make some swift developments in providing civil services. However, in the last nine years, the complaints of people about the civil servants have gone increasing. No or very little development in this area is quite disappointing.
On defense sector too, inadequate level of literacy or illiteracy among the members of Afghan National Army and Police is hampering them from becoming a skillful force. Having capability to use modern military equipment, weaponry, tanks and war crafts is strength of a military force and Afghan security forces need to move fast towards finding such a capability.