Community-Based Education (CBE) is one of the core education modalities in Afghanistan and a central strategy within the Education Cluster response. It is designed to expand access to education for children who cannot attend formal schools due to distance, insecurity, poverty, cultural barriers, or crisis-related disruptions. CBE plays a particularly important role in increasing enrolment among vulnerable populations, especially girls, children in remote areas, returnees, and those affected by conflict or displacement.
CBE is commonly implemented through several structured sub-modalities that are aligned, to varying degrees, with the national education system.
2.1 Community-Based Classes (CBC)
Community-Based Classes are locally established classes conducted close to children's homes, often in community spaces such as houses, mosques, or shared buildings. They follow the national curriculum and are usually linked to a nearby hub school for supervision and registration.
The purpose of CBC is to bring basic education directly to communities where formal schools are too far or inaccessible. By reducing travel distance and safety concerns, CBC increases enrolment and attendance, particularly for young children and girls. These classes serve as an entry point into the formal education system and support early grade learning in underserved areas.
2.2 Accelerated Learning Programs / Centers (ALP / ALC)
Accelerated Learning Programs or Centers are structured education initiatives that compress multiple grades into a shorter time frame. They are often implemented within the CBE framework and are specifically designed for over-age and out-of-school children who have missed years of schooling.
The purpose of ALP/ALC is to help learners catch up academically and transition into age-appropriate grades within the formal system. By offering condensed and focused instruction, these programs prevent children from permanently falling behind and provide a second chance for reintegration into mainstream education.
2.3 Community-Based Schools (CBS)
Community-Based Schools represent a more institutionalized form of CBE and are more closely integrated with the formal education system than standard community-based classes. They operate within communities but are aligned with Ministry of Education standards and structures.
The purpose of CBS is to provide sustainable, locally anchored schooling that maintains quality and continuity. As referenced in recent humanitarian planning frameworks, there is increasing emphasis on transitioning temporary or informal community classes into more sustainable CBS models. These schools strengthen long-term system integration and improve continuity between community learning and formal public education.
Overall, Community-Based Education serves as a critical bridge between marginalized communities and the national education system, ensuring that children who would otherwise remain out of school are provided with accessible, structured, and pathway-oriented learning opportunities.