Even the Taliban could not kill my dream

Young Afghan girl, Hafiza, shares how the Taliban’s return shattered her dream of becoming a journalist — and how, through online learning, she found hope again, now teaching and inspiring other Afghan girls still denied an education.

When I was a child, I dreamed of becoming a journalist. I loved learning, reading, and writing stories. I believed education was the way to shape my future. My love for journalism came from seeing the difference it made and how journalists are able to raise the voices of those who cannot speak for themselves. Since my childhood, I was always attentive to the news and loved watching it. Whenever I saw journalists bringing people’s struggles and stories to the world, it deeply inspired me and gave me hope that one day, I too could raise stories for others just like them.

The Impact of the Taliban’s Return

Everything changed when the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan. Suddenly, schools, universities, and learning centres for girls beyond grade 6 were shut down. My dream, once so alive, seemed to be fading. I remember the day when my formal education was stopped. I was in grade 8 and was listening to the news about how the Taliban had closed our schools. I sat quietly for hours, thinking deeply. I was heartbroken, and for a while, I felt lost.

Locking Away Our Futures

My class was only for girls, and we all loved learning so much. Following the announcement, there was a deep upset; some cried while others sat silently in pure shock. We were all left wondering why the doors to our future had been locked, with no way of opening them. Our future had been swallowed up by darkness. Our thoughts became unsettled, and every day that passed where we were unable to attend school, we lived with fear and sadness. Many girls suffered from mental pressures, and some lost faith, thinking that they would never be able to continue their education.

Finding a Way Forward

For a long time, I was heartbroken too, feeling as if all my paths were blocked. But gradually, I decided that even if they had shut our schools, I would keep my dream alive and never allow them to take away my future. I began studying at home. I taught myself English and computer skills, using whatever resources I had- books, videos, YouTube, and online resources. I already had a basic understanding of English and computer skills and put a lot of effort into learning and improving myself.

A Lifeline of Hope

Then one day, I was given a lifeline by a friend, who told me about LEARN Afghan, an online education platform that offers free courses to girls across Afghanistan. I contacted them and was later admitted to join some of its classes. Step-by-step, I moved forward and my hope returned. I realised that my efforts would now not go to waste. Later, I was selected to join LEARN’s online journalism club. It was a small step, but for me, it meant everything. I was also given the opportunity to join an online English course. After some time, my teacher saw my progress and offered me a volunteer position to teach beginner English students. I accepted with pride. Today, I teach English online three times a week to girls just like me, girls who were once told to stop learning. I do it for free. I do it with love.

Support and Inspiration

My father has been my greatest supporter. He stood behind me every step of the way and helped me through every challenge. His support was more than just family love – it was an inspiring force that taught me to never give up on my dreams. This lesson I now share with all girls – never forget yourself and never surrender, because the people around you can be your strongest support.

A Light in the Darkness

My journey has not been easy, but I believe education is a light that can shine through even the darkest times. And I know that this is just the beginning. The Taliban may have closed our schools and crushed our hopes, but they could not kill my dream.

Hafiza Z, from Kandahar, is 17 years old and is currently studying journalism with LEARN
Afghan through a collaboration with British journalist Sarah Hussain.
She has a deep passion for education and helping others and is striving to become a journalist
in the hopes of making a positive difference in her community.
In her free time, Hafiza enjoys reading books and drawing, with these hobbies helping her to
relax while also inspiring her creativity.

Afghan Girls’ Voices is a collaborative effort between Observer Diplomat Magazine and LEARN Afghan to uphold Afghan girls’ fundamental right to education in the wake of the Taliban ban on secondary and higher education. Through this initiative, members of the LEARN Journalism Club contribute directly to the magazine. For safety and security reasons, only the first names of student contributors are published, and sensitive details that could endanger them, their families, or LEARN staff are withheld.

For more on LEARN visit: https://learnafghan.org

Support by donating: https://givebutter.com/dT4Om5

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