Since childhood, I dreamed of soaring to the highest peaks of success. I built two wings for myself—education and ambition.
I was filled with excitement and passion to chase that dream.
Each day, as I shined brighter than the day before, hope bloomed in my heart.
At night, I eagerly waited for the morning, imagining all the things I would do.
Whenever I stood in front of the mirror, I imagined myself giving a speech—speaking confidently before a large crowd of people, guests, and journalists about the global educational charity I had founded for children.
Despite the hardships of life, I felt immense joy knowing I was getting closer to my dream. I would whisper to myself, “If only the nights, days, seasons, and years would pass faster…”
But then, one day, I fell into the hands of a merciless hunter.
The first thing he did was cut off one of my wings, without mercy.
When I raised my voice for the right to education, they issued my stoning sentence.
When I cried out in the streets with my broken wing, they flogged me publicly.
Yet, even with all my wounds, I did not surrender. I began to believe in myself even more and told myself: “I still have one wing left.”
With cold, weary breaths, I refused to lose hope.
I started again, fighting to reach my dreams and break free from the cage they built around me.
The cage grows darker every day, but my determination to reach freedom and fulfill my dream only grows stronger.
I truly believe that in every corner of the world, there are people who care deeply about us Afghanistani girls. People who fight for us and raise their voices against injustice, simply for the sake of humanity and freedom. Your courage and strength mean the world to us.
– Fayeza
Letter received from our students participating in our Mentorship program. Name and text altered for protection of our students and for grammatical changes.
