Reliable sources in Kandahar told Afghanistan International that Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada has allocated up to five million Afghanis for each religious school ahead of Eid al-Adha.
According to the sources, smaller religious schools will receive lower amounts based on the number of teachers and staff members employed there.
Sources added that under the program, individuals connected to the schools are receiving between 5,000 and 10,000 Afghanis in cash. The recipients are reportedly people who currently serve or previously served in Taliban ranks, or members of their families.
The sources said the assistance is being distributed through provincial education departments and that lists of religious schools eligible for the payments had already been prepared.
The move comes as many public school teachers across Afghanistan say they have gone months without receiving salaries.
Earlier this year, several government school teachers told Afghanistan International they had not been paid for three consecutive months and claimed Taliban authorities were struggling to meet salary obligations.
Delays in salary payments in recent months have raised growing concerns about the condition of Afghanistan’s education system and the economic difficulties facing public sector employees.
