How LEARN Afghan lit a candle of hope at a time of complete darkness

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ince I was a child I have always dreamed about going to school to learn, and explore the world of books. But sadly, after the Taliban came into power everything changed. Schools were shut down, girls were forbidden from studying and I was forced to close the doors on my dreams.

Yet, deep down in my heart one thing never died – hope.

After the Taliban banned girls from being able to go to school past the age of 12, I, like other girls, was very sad, hopeless and heartbroken. My dreams had died. I was left dealing with mental and emotional challenges during that time. Although I did not have access to formal learning, I remained productive so as not to waste my time. I helped with household chores, read my favorite books and always thought about education.

It was not until a close friend of mine told me about LEARN Afghan that this hope that I had for learning started to become a reality once more. My friend shared how LEARN supports girls and gives them the opportunity to study even if they can not attend regular schools. I was surprised. And I felt like someone had lit a candle for me in the complete darkness.

From that day on, my new life began. I registered with the program and began studying with LEARN in 2024. I was able to learn again with a fresh passion for my future. The teachers guided me, the lessons inspired me, and slowly, I felt that I was becoming the person I always wanted to be.

Not only am I able to continue my education by studying English, computer technology, maths, physics, biology and chemistry, but I have also made new friends and have been involved in specialised courses including journalism and artificial intelligence (AI). My dream is to be able to study further to become a doctor to help people in need, especially women and children who do not have access to healthcare.

Thousands of Afghan girls still dream, hope, and believe in education.

I am one of the fortunate students who have gained valuable achievements. LEARN has changed my life, giving me hope when I had lost it. Through its lessons, I have gained confidence, improved my skills, and started believing in myself again. I feel stronger, smarter, and ready to follow my dream.

I hope girls take encouragement from my story. We are together, helping one another, and moving forward. LEARN is not just about education, it’s a hidden door to light, knowledge, and hope.

I am an ordinary but hopeful girl from Afghanistan.