But she began taking classes at the Herat Online School in English, creative writing, and art and staff at our partner organisation, Afghanistan Education Action, mentored her through a successful application to a scholarship programme in the United States.
In the early days of the Taliban takeover, Aqdas was just 14, and felt like her entire future had been taken away in just one night. She describes how
“Everything was gloomy, suffocating me with an uncertainty that was so deep and excruciating. Whenever I wanted to see further beyond the horrible present, everywhere was turning black that I was so close to losing myself in that darkness.”
A year later, a light switched on when Aqdas began learning online with an organisation now known as Afghanistan Education Action. She logged from home to learn English with volunteer teachers and enjoyed creative writing and art workshops.
She says:
“The school pierced through the dark and reminded me of my forgotten potential. Every time that I had a class, I could feel my freedom, desires, and shared dreams that were stolen from me by the current regime.“
This autumn, Aqdas has found her freedom. She will start the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme in the USA after the school mentored her through a successful application to United World College (UWC) Afghan Youth scholarship programme.
Aqdas was one of a small number of students awarded the scholarship, out of over one thousand applicants. She humbly attributes her success to those around her, saying:
“Being immersed in a community of supportive classmates and teachers profoundly motivated me. Although we were miles away from each other, we [were in] each other’s corner, helping one another like a family.
She says:
“My journey with Herat Online School is not just about continuing my education; it's also about empowerment and achieving my biggest dreams. Thanks to this school, I won awards at International Model United Nations conferences, I published my writings, curated exhibitions and was even accepted into my dream college in the USA.”
