KABUL, May 31 (Xinhua) -- As the school day ends, 10-year-old Aisha returns home and settles by the doorway, her eyes fixed on the narrow alley outside. She is waiting for her father -- not for toys or treats, but for the plastic bag he might bring home, hopefully containing a few notebooks or pencils.

In a family of eight, where her father earns daily wages by pushing a handcart through the streets of Kabul, every afghani matters.

Holding a pencil worn down to a tiny stub after weeks of use, Aisha explained that buying school supplies is often beyond the family's means. "Sometimes my father cannot find work. When that happens, I even have to carry my books in an old plastic bag because we cannot afford a school bag," she said.

Yet the hardships have not weakened her determination. "I want to become a doctor," she said with a smile.

Aisha's story reflects the experiences of many Afghan children who continue to pursue education despite economic difficulties and uncertainty.

For countless families across the country, schooling remains one of the strongest hopes for a better future, even as they struggle with poverty, displacement and health challenges.

Afghanistan's education sector, already affected by decades of conflict, continues to face significant obstacles. Many schools lack adequate facilities, with nearly half operating without access to clean water, proper sanitation or heating.

Despite these difficulties, many families continue to place education at the center of their aspirations.

Among them is 13-year-old Zabiullah, who recently returned to Afghanistan from Pakistan as a refugee and is eager to resume his studies.

"We came back from Pakistan, but I am happy to be in my country," he said. "My parents and brothers encourage me to study hard and move forward."

For some children, school provides not only knowledge but also a sense of stability amid uncertainty.

Saifullah, another student, said concerns about his family's living situation sometimes follow him into the classroom.

"Even when I am at school, I think about our situation," he said. "I wonder whether we will find a house or not, and it affects my concentration."

As Afghanistan continues to navigate economic and social challenges, the perseverance shown by its young learners highlights both their resilience and the importance of ensuring access to education.

A few kilometers away, eight-year-old Sana faces a different concern.

Every morning, her father leaves home in search of work. Some evenings, he returns without earning enough to support the family. At the same time, Sana's mother has been struggling with illness.

"My mother is sick, and we do not have money for treatment," Sana said quietly. Though still young, she has already begun thinking about how she can help. "I want to grow up quickly, earn money and pay for my mother's treatment," she said.

Despite their different circumstances, children like Aisha, Zabiullah, Saifullah and Sana share a common belief in the value of education.

International society has repeatedly emphasized that education is a fundamental right and an essential component of Afghanistan's long-term development. Community-based literacy programs and remote learning initiatives have helped expand educational opportunities, reaching tens of thousands of learners across the country.

Experts, however, note that structured classroom learning remains irreplaceable in helping children acquire knowledge, build skills and develop social connections.

For children like Aisha, Zabiullah, Saifullah and Sana, school represents far more than reading, writing and arithmetic. It is a place where ambitions take shape and hopes are nurtured.

Whether carrying books in a worn plastic bag or studying with a single pencil, they continue to pursue their dreams, believing that education can help open the door to a brighter and more stable future.