Books for Afghan Girls School

Thank you for your generous donation! 

While Afghanistan has made tremendous strides getting girls in the doors of schools since the fall of the Taliban, girls in rural areas continue to lag behind their urban sisters in attending school. Over 60% of rural girls do not attend school and are vulnerable to ongoing cycles of early marriage, health problems and desperate poverty. There are many reasons for girls not attending school including a lack of schools, troublesome security situations and few resources such as books and other equipment. Girls go to school in shifts, typically up to three shifts in one day. Having books to read is an essential step in tackling illiteracy. Thanks to you, students are gaining access to the opportunity to expand their knowledge via books. 

"After the fall of the Taliban, schools began again. Any girl interested in getting education could to school. I wanted to go as well. So I talked to my father about it. He did not give me permission to go to the school. I was very sad. I kept asking him why I could not go to school. He responded that the school is not a place for a girl, and that every girl that does attend is simply shameless. I argued with him and responded that learning was for both men and women, not just men. We, as girls, have the right to learn. I told him, my future and our family's future could be so bright. After the conversation with my father, he thought for a while and then said that I was right. I have to go to school, and that knowledge could be valuable. That is how I convinced my father to let me go to school. I am proud of it. " -Asma, 7th grade student

Donor support is essential for bringing books into rural schools. Afghanistan remains on the bottom rung of the UN Poverty Index. Helping girls gain a toehold in reading and writing contributes to lifting the nation out of poverty.

Thank you very much for your generosity!