Five years after the Taliban seized power in Afghanistan, girls face a bleak future as access to education beyond the sixth grade remains prohibited. This makes Afghanistan the only country in the world to deny women continued schooling. Approximately 2.5 million girls and women are effectively confined to their homes, according to the United Nations, creating a severe human rights and women's rights crisis. Despite initial promises made during negotiations with the United States – including commitments to allow girls’ education – the Taliban have consistently failed to uphold those pledges. Schools remain technically open, but the Taliban cite safety concerns as justification for preventing girls over twelve from attending. Despite the challenges, teachers are striving to keep hope and ambition alive among their students, awaiting a solution from the government.