Education for Afghanistan
Fall 2023 2nd Place Winner
by Nazanin Paymard, Microbiology
The palpable emotions of sadness and disappointment were etched on the faces of all the children. Their apprehension about the transition to America weighed heavily upon them. I couldn't help but wonder about the fate of my fellow human beings and how they would access the education they so desperately needed in this new situation. What would become of their dreams? These questions lingered in the minds of the young Afghan girls, reminiscent of my own journey when my family fled Iran due to persecution. I vividly recall the fervor with which I pursued my education and the challenges I faced in adapting to a new country, navigating the turbulent waters of an uncertain future.
My journey had been marked by moments of depression, but I eventually learned that self-belief and recognizing my potential were keys to academic success. This realization drove me to become an educator for Afghan evacuees. Motivated by these reflections, I embarked on a mission to educate Afghan evacuees in science, mathematics, and English at the refugee camp in Qatar, where they awaited their transition to the United States. Witnessing the incredible talent and thirst for knowledge within these children was both inspiring and heartbreaking. Despite their evident potential, a cloud of despondency still loomed over my classroom, a reflection of their friends' unhappiness back in Afghanistan.
The question that consumed me was how I could do more, how I could make a difference. An idea began to take root—an idea to provide education to the talented children within Afghanistan itself. The prospect of personally traveling to Afghanistan from Qatar, teaching countless classes, and offering accredited, valuable education became tantalizing. Yet, could I truly undertake this monumental task alone? The question of safety loomed large. The notion of empowering the youth of Afghanistan with education became an unwavering mission, and I realized that I needed to assemble a dedicated team of individuals who shared this vision. As I pondered the feasibility of my plan, the deepening depression among my students compelled me to take immediate action. I initiated a modest fundraising effort, aiming to purchase laptops and tablets to send to the children in Afghanistan, allowing for virtual instruction.
The situation further deteriorated when the Taliban prohibited girls from attending schools, leaving more children bereft of access to education. Young women and elementary-level girls were relegated to the confines of their homes, watching their dreams dissipate like fragile dust particles. Currently, I teach three classes, each with around 25 students, but it's clear that this isn't enough. We need the online education they receive to be recognized by universities worldwide so that these young minds can leave Afghanistan for advanced education. In the grand tapestry of humanity, individuals can make a significant difference through education. In Afghanistan, education goes beyond being a simple act of goodwill; it's a crucial action for the sake of humanity itself, a beacon of hope in challenging times.