Growing up in Afghanistan, a war-torn country, has shaped me in ways that are difficult to put into words. The sounds of explosions and gunfire were not just distant echoes on the news; they were the harsh reality of my childhood. Life was never ordinary and will never be for a child of war. In the midst of chaos and uncertainty, one thing that gave me hope and purpose was education.
Empowering Young Girls Through Education
As a young girl in Afghanistan, I clung to school as a lifeline. It wasn’t just about securing a future for myself; it was about holding on to something tangible in a world where everything felt like it was slipping away. The war had tried to take so much from us, but through education, I found a way to resist the chaos and reclaim a small piece of what was lost.
At the age of 10, I took it upon myself to teach the girls and women in my neighborhood how to read and write. With makeshift lessons held in our yard, I earned a small amount of money that went towards funding my own English course. The impact of this small act of defiance was immeasurable – not just for me, but for those women whose voices had been silenced by conflict. It was a testament to the power of education in empowering young girls and women in Afghanistan.
From a young age, I turned to poetry as a means of processing the chaos and uncertainty that surrounded me. Writing became my sanctuary, a way to make sense of the world and give voice to the silent suffering of my people. As my passion for writing grew, so did my determination to make a difference – not just for myself, but for others who shared my struggles.
Navigating Challenges in Pursuit of Education
Despite the relentless challenges and obstacles that stood in my way, I pursued a higher education in medicine at university. The path was not easy, requiring me to juggle the demands of medical training with the responsibility of supporting my family. To fund my education, I turned to writing for newspapers, focusing on women-related issues that were close to my heart.
While medicine had been my initial career goal, it was through my writing journey that I discovered the transformative power of storytelling. Journalism became a platform through which I could shed light on the experiences of those affected by war, giving voice to the voiceless and bringing their stories to the forefront. It was a realization that shifted my path towards a career in journalism, where I could use my words to effect change and advocate for those who had been silenced by conflict.
Joining the BBC in Kabul marked a new chapter in my journey, where I had the opportunity to document the stories of those whose lives had been shattered by war. As a young journalist, I bore witness to the heartbreaking tales of loss, separation, and resilience that defined the lives of many in Afghanistan. Each story I shared was a reminder of the enduring human spirit and the power of storytelling to bridge the gap between suffering and healing.
Facing Adversity and Building Hope
The return of the Taliban in 2021 brought a wave of uncertainty and fear, forcing me to flee to the UK and leave behind everything I had fought for in Afghanistan. Starting anew in a foreign land was a daunting challenge, but it also presented an opportunity to continue my work in empowering young girls through education.
Amidst the darkness that descended upon Afghanistan, the BBC launched the Dars educational program for children who had been barred from attending school. This initiative held a special significance for me, as I thought of my sisters and other young girls whose futures hung in the balance. By offering engaging lessons in subjects like math, English, and history, the program became a beacon of hope in a time of despair.
As we prepare to launch the fourth series of Dars, I am reminded that my story is not just one of survival, but also of purpose. Through the trials of war, loss, and displacement, I have discovered that life is about more than just enduring hardships – it’s about finding a cause worth fighting for. The feedback and messages from viewers in Afghanistan reaffirm the impact of our work, serving as a reminder of the resilience and determination of young girls who refuse to be silenced.
The future may be uncertain, but the light of education shines brightly for those who dare to dream and strive for a better tomorrow. As we continue to empower young girls through education, we carry forward the legacy of resilience and hope that defines the spirit of Afghanistan. In the face of adversity, we remain steadfast in our commitment to building a brighter future for generations to come.