In the heart of Afghanistan, where the mountains rise high and the air is filled with the echoes of ancient history, there lies a story of resilience and despair-one that is often forgotten but deserves to be heard by the world. It is the story of Afghanistani girls, whose dreams are suffocated by the heavy chains of oppression. Our cries are silenced, our hopes dimmed, and our futures stolen away. We are not just a statistic in news reports or a number in a human rights study, we are daughters and sisters, yearning for the chance to learn, to grow and to live in a world where our voices are heard.

The first casualty of the Taliban’s return to power has been the right to education. Imagine the heartbreak of a young girl, full of promise and eager to learn, walking past the gates of her school, only to be told that her education will never continue. This is the reality for countless girls in Afghanistan today. Secondary schools remain closed, and girls in grades 7 and above are left with no choice but to stay at home. Our dreams of a better future shattered, our books collect dust, our minds left to wonder about what could have been.

For many, the school is more than just a building, it is a place where they form friendships, discover new passions, and most importantly, envision a future beyond the confines of their homes. The struggle of me and other girls is not limited to our right to education. We are not free to make choices about our futures.

In the past Afghanistani girls were dreamers and doers. They were artists, athletes, doctors, teachers and activists. They were building their futures. But now, many of us are locked inside our homes, with no hope of pursuing our passions. The dreams that once seemed within reach now appear as distant as the stars.

In conclusion, Afghanistani girls continue to show their incredible strength. In hidden corners of our country. We continue to study in secret, we want to learn and grow, we take the risk of punishment, speak out against injustice and fight for our right to be seen. We are the silent warriors of a war that is not just fought with weapons but with courage , resilience, and hope. We believe in the power of education, in the possibility of a life free from fear, and in a future where our rights are not negotiable.

– ‘Aashna’

Letter received from our students participating in our Mentorship program. Name and text altered for protection of our students and for grammatical changes.
Published On: January 23rd, 2025 / Categories: Student Essays from students in ASDD's English & Mentorship Programs /

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