"I have a country to build, and I will fight, and I will take what is mine"
-Pashtana Durrani, How Pashtana began her struggle for education in Afghanistan — and how she continues to do so despite the taliban takeover through LEARN,
From Refugee to Educator
My Journey
I was born as a refugee in 1997 in Pakistan and spent the first 19 years of my life in Sorkhab Camp. During this time, I experienced firsthand the challenges and limitations refugees face, particularly in accessing education. Despite these hardships, I was determined to pursue my studies and support my family. In 2016, I finally moved to Afghanistan after graduating high school. Eventually, I founded LEARN Afghan, the country’s first digital school network.
My first School
Growing up, girls in my community were unable to receive an education as the local refugee school was too far away, making it impossible to travel the long distance to attend. In 2001, my father, a tribal leader, started a school for girls in our camp. Both my mother and aunt taught at the school, believing in the importance of education for girls. They lived by the motto, “You can go hungry, but not without a day of learning.” With the help of my father, who led this community initiative and encouraged families to send their daughters, the school began to grow. This experience profoundly shaped my commitment to education and inspired me to found LEARN Afghanistan.
“You can go hungry, but not without a day of learning.”
My Afghanistan
Despite being forced into exile in 2021, I have continued to advocate for Afghan girls’ education from afar. While the current challenges are significant, including continuing restrictions on education, my commitment remains unwavering. I believe education will prevail and that every Afghan will again have the opportunity to learn and shape their future.
The work
My Mission
LEARN Afghan
Digital schools
A new reality
I am dedicated to improving the lives of women and girls in Afghanistan. I grew up in a household where education was valued. My parents established a school while we were living in a refugee camp in Pishin Pakhtunkhwa. Accessing education was extremely challenging, but my upbringing instilled in me the belief that education should be available to everyone. When I visited Afghanistan, I witnessed my cousin’s struggle to access education due to the absence of schools in Spin Boldak. This inspired me to act, and I began teaching my cousin, Durdana, who motivated me to advocate for girls’ access to education through digital literacy. In 2018, I established LEARN Afghan, a nonprofit organization that aims to broaden educational opportunities in Afghanistan. LEARN Afghan has provided education to Afghan boys, girls, and women and has trained many teachers in digital literacy. At its peak, LEARN operated 18 digital schools in urban and rural areas across southern Afghanistan. However, with the Taliban’s resurgence in 2021, the organization had to close most of its programs and continue its activities discreetly.
Leadership
My Activism
My activism is a blend of the values I inherited from my parents and the lessons I have learned through my journey. My father’s courage taught me the importance of standing firm in adversity, while my mother’s dedication showed me the power of persistent, compassionate effort. Though I never anticipated following in their footsteps, I now find myself doing just that—teaching, leading, and advocating for those who cannot speak for themselves. In my work, I focus on more than just providing immediate aid; I aim to empower individuals and communities to take control of their futures. My activism is not about making loud statements; it is about understanding the needs of the people and the land and working quietly but effectively to create sustainable change. I believe that true activism is about making a tangible difference, not just in the lives of individuals, but in the broader community as well. Inspired by the stories of Afghan women like Zarghona Ana and Gawharshad Begum, I am reminded daily of the impact a woman can have when given the chance. These women, known for their strength and courage, exemplify the legacy I strive to build through my work. My activism transcends traditional notions of masculinity and femininity; it is about taking the best of what I have been taught and using it to uplift those around me, fostering resilience and hope.
My activism is not about making loud statements;
My Hopes
I believe in the strength and resilience of our people.
I believe in the strength and resilience of our people. My dream is of a future where every voice is valued and where education and opportunity are accessible to all, regardless of the barriers that exist today. I envision communities coming together, united by a shared desire for progress and peace. I believe in the power of collaboration to drive meaningful change. I see a future where Afghanistan is not defined by its struggles but by its potential. I hope to inspire a generation to rise above the challenges, build bridges where there are divides, and foster a sense of hope that transcends fear. I believe in the promise of renewal and the collective effort it will take to bring it to life. Together, we can create a new narrative for our country—that celebrates its rich culture, enduring spirit, and unyielding hope.