Since the Taliban returned to power in August 2021, the situation for women and girls in Afghanistan has deteriorated sharply. Decades of progress in education and women’s rights have been rolled back, leaving millions of girls without access to schooling. By mid‑2024, at least 1.4 million girls had been denied secondary education, and when accounting for girls already out of school before the bans, nearly 2.5 million—roughly 80% of school-age girls—were unable to continue their studies. This widespread educational exclusion has not only curtailed learning but also limited future opportunities, reinforcing cycles of poverty and social marginalisation.

The consequences extend far beyond the classroom. With girls barred from education, rates of child marriage, gender-based violence, and mental health challenges have risen sharply. The lack of schooling also threatens maternal and child health, as fewer educated women are available to serve as healthcare providers. Afghanistan is now the only country in the world systematically denying girls and young women access to secondary and higher education, putting an entire generation at risk and jeopardising the country’s social and economic future.

ASDD Response: Empowering Minds

ASDD launched the Empowering Minds programme on January 1, 2024, in direct response to the escalating education crisis faced by adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in Afghanistan. The programme was created to provide safe, reliable, and high-quality learning opportunities at a time when formal education for girls is severely restricted. Through a combination of in-person English classes, structured mentoring, and psychosocial support, Empowering Minds equips participants with the academic skills, confidence, and emotional resilience needed to pursue future educational and professional opportunities—both within Afghanistan and abroad.

2024: Programme Launch

The Empowering Minds programme was launched in January 2024 with the support of a generous Italian donor. The initiative began with 16 enrolled students, focusing on building foundational English skills and providing essential study materials to ensure consistent learning despite the severe educational restrictions facing girls in Afghanistan. During this initial phase, ASDD also introduced its online mentorship component, connecting students with international volunteers who offered academic guidance, language support, and personal development mentoring.

Achievements in 2024:
  • All 16 students progressed from A1 to B2 English proficiency, demonstrating significant academic growth.
  • The programme established its essential infrastructure, including classroom space, teaching materials, and the recruitment of a dedicated local female English teacher.
  • A structured model combining in-person instruction and online mentorship was successfully developed, forming the foundation for future expansion.
2024 Budget Overview: €1,680
  • Local English Teacher: 1 teacher × 12 months × €100/month = €1,200
  • Study Materials: €10 per student × 16 students × 3 levels = €480

Total: €1,680

ASDD successfully raised €10,975 to support the continuation and expansion of the programme in 2025.

2025: Programme Expansion

Building on the strong foundation established in 2024, the Empowering Minds programme expanded significantly in 2025. With renewed funding and increased community demand, ASDD grew its enrolment to 40 female students and extended its operations across two branches inside Afghanistan. The programme now offers a more intensive learning schedule, providing six days per week of in-person English classes, each lasting two hours, enabling students to progress toward advanced proficiency levels.

In addition to classroom instruction, ASDD strengthened its programme with launching an international mentorship network, ensuring that every student receives academic support, guidance on higher education pathways, and psychosocial encouragement. This blended learning model has become a vital educational lifeline for girls unable to access formal schooling.

Programme Activities in 2025:
  • Daily in-person English classes (6 days/week, 2 hours/day).
  • Distribution of textbooks, study materials, and monthly internet packages.
  • Continuation of the international mentorship programme, pairing 40 students with English-speaking mentors.
  • Expansion to two physical branches to reach more communities.

Achievements in 2025:

  • Higher Education Achievement: One student was awarded an online scholarship for the three-year Bachelor of Commerce (General) programme by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) at a top-ranked university in India. She has successfully commenced her studies.
  • Increased enrolment from 16 to 40 students, significantly widening access to education.
  • Full coverage of connectivity needs: all students now receive monthly internet packages enabling participation in online learning.
  • Successful launch of the second edition of the ASDD international mentorship programme.
  • Improved English Proficiency: 20 students advanced from B1 to C in English. And 20 students advanced from B2 to preparing for TOEFL.
  • Global Mentorship Programme: The second edition of the mentorship programme was launched, involving 40 mentors from across the world.
  • Student Voices Platform: A student newsletter was launched, featuring essays written by programme participants. 5 newsletters published from students’ essays.

2025 Budget Overview: €10,975

  • Local English Teachers: 2 teachers × 12 months × €100/month = €2,400
  • Study Materials: €10 per student × 40 students × 3 levels = €1,200
  • Internet Packages: €15 per student × 40 students × 12 months = €7,200

Total: €10,800
(€10,975 was raised to fully support 2025 activities.)

2026: Programme Continuation & Fundraising

Building on the success of 2024 and 2025, ASDD is preparing to continue the Empowering Minds programme in 2026. This year, we aim to raise €12,682 to support 40 current students and expand to 80 new students.

Programme Highlights for 2026:
  • Teacher Training: All 40 existing students will participate in one month of theoretical training in January.
  • Practical Teaching: 8 selected trainees will teach 80 new students from February to December.
  • Student Support: Books, study materials, and internet packages will be provided to ensure quality learning.
  • Impact: Students are expected to progress from B1 to C level by year-end, while 8 trained local teachers will deliver high-quality English education.
How Your Support Helps:
  • Each girl needs €160 for a full year of English classes, materials, and mentorship.
  • Funds will also cover teachers’ salaries, branch coordination, and necessary resources.
Budget Overview (€12,682):
  • Teachers & Supervisors: €5,400
  • Coordinators & Branch Rent: €2,251
  • Books, Materials & Internet Packages: €3,300
  • Platform Fees & Contingency: €1,740

Join us in 2026 to continue transforming lives, empowering young women in Afghanistan, and building a sustainable model of education led by local female teachers.

Why Your Support Matters

Afghanistan risks losing a generation of educated women—who are essential for the country’s development and future. By supporting the Empowering Minds initiative, you are helping these young women access education, offering them hope, resilience, and a chance to change their futures.

Donate: Help us continue and expand our impact.

ASDD aims to sustain and grow the Empowering Minds programme into 2026, ensuring uninterrupted access to education for Afghan girls and young women. We are currently raising funds to support next year’s activities and reach even more students.

Total Project for 2026: €12,682 

This budget covers:

  • In-person English classes
  • Monthly internet packages for 40 female students (6 months)
  • Educational materials and resources.
  • Online mentorship programme.
  • One-month theory  teacher training for 40 students and two months of teacher training for 8 new young teachers.

 

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Budget Allocation

  • Allocated for 2025 Activities: €10,975
  • Allocated for 2026 Activities: €12,682

Partner with Us

We invite you to partner with us in this mission. Together, we can make a lasting difference in the lives of women of Afghanistan, empowering them to become the leaders and changemakers of tomorrow.

Thank you for your generosity and commitment to education and equality.

Contact Information

For more details or to get involved, please reach out to us:

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