By Timor Karimy | Founder & President
Thank you for your generous gifts to Support Girls’ Education in Afghanistan.
In the immediate aftermath of the ban on girls’ education in Afghanistan, Bamyan Foundation was among the first organizations that organized community-led underground schools for girls. Five years since the collapse of the Afghan government, our brave educators and community leaders continue to risk their lives to provide safe spaces for girls to discreetly continue their education.
This academic year, and we are supporting 171 girls and 54 boys in our various schools that are spread across multiple provinces in the marginalized and persecuted Hazara communities in Afghanistan. 153 girls are enrolled in the underground schools while 18 girls are enrolled in regular schools as they are below grade 7. Additionally, about 300 girls continue getting hourly academic support in specific subjects at an education center. In total, about 471 girls are benefiting from the gift of education this academic year. We will provide a separate update about the boys via our project Scholarships for at-risk youth in Afghanistan.
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The following are updates from our schools and we have made minor edits for clarity. For security reasons, we do not disclose names and locations of our students, teachers and schools.
School A:
Following the successful completion of the 2025 academic year, during which School A operated only Grade 7 classroom with the support of the Bamyan Foundation, the program was expanded in the 2026 academic year, which began on April 01, 2026. In response to the growing educational needs of girls who have been denied access to secondary education, the program now serves 92 girls across four classrooms in Grades 7, 8, 9, and 10. This expansion, made possible through the continued support of the Bamyan Foundation, has enabled more girls to continue their education in a safe and confidential learning environment.
Key Achievements:
Challenges:
School B:
30 girls are supported by Bamyan Foundation who study in underground classes in a village away from the center of the district while 5 girls below grade 7 and 37 boys continue their education at a regular school in this province. Three teachers teach various subjects to student in the underground school. These 30 students are above grade six. According to the teachers, the classes not only help the students get an education, but also help them with mental health as depression has become common in recent years. The girls study eight subjects including mathematics, chemistry, physics, biology, pashto, english, art and Islamic studies. The students study in different classes based on their class level. According to our assessments, the classes are effective and the teachers have noticed improvement in the students' ability. Since they are the only girls in this remote community who have the chance of getting education, the students are well-motivated and take their studies seriously.
School C:
The Grade 10 program started in January 2026 and continued until the first week of August. Despite the serious educational, social, and security challenges, the students were able to continue their studies and successfully complete Grade 10.
The school started its program with Grade 7, and many of the students in this class have been studying at the school since Grade 7. Over the past four years, we have witnessed clear progress in their academic knowledge, general awareness, social skills, and confidence.
Students and Academic Progress:
There are a total of 31 girls enrolled in Grade 10. The number of students changed during the year because some families moved away or faced family-related restrictions. A few new students also joined the program during the year.
Over the four years, from Grade 7 to Grade 10, the students have made significant academic progress. Their performance in different subjects has improved, and many of them are now more prepared and motivated to continue their education. One of the most important achievements of this program has been the growth in the girls’ hope, confidence, and motivation. Despite the difficult situation, many of them are determined to continue their education through Grade 12 and, if the opportunity becomes available, go on to university.
Security Challenges:
This year, Grade 10 was held under very difficult security conditions. As restrictions and pressure increased, the school had to use different ways of teaching to keep both students and teachers safe. In many cases, classes were held in smaller groups at the students’ homes instead of having everyone gather in one place. This helped reduce the risk of the classes being identified and kept the students safer. At times, classes were also held online.
Despite all these challenges, the students and teachers worked diligently to keep the learning process going. By the end of the program, the students had completed their studies and achieved good results in their exams.
The Role of Teachers:
The teachers played an important role throughout the year. Their work was not only teaching but also help the girls stay motivated, hopeful, and confident. Many of the students were dealing with family, social, and security pressures. Having teachers who supported and encouraged them helped the girls stay focused on their education and continue working toward their goals.
Results and Achievements:
For these students, this was more than just another school year. It was also a chance to hold on to their hope, confidence, and connection to education at a time when many girls in Afghanistan have been denied the right to study.
The fact that these girls have continued their education from Grade 7 through Grade 10, despite all the challenges around them, is a meaningful achievement. Their determination, together with the commitment of their teachers, shows that even when education becomes difficult and risky, there are still ways to keep learning alive and keep hope going.
School D:
Bamyan Foundation is supporting 30 students (13 girls and 17 boys) in this school. The girls are all below grade 6 and can attend this regular school. According to the school, all of the students passed their mid-year exams.
School E - Education Center:
Bamyan Foundation continued supporting the education center for a second year this year. Nearly 300 students get hourly lessons in a variety of subjects (e.g. English, math, physics, chemistry, biology and computers). Each hourly session comprises at least 30 students. Building a strong foundation in said subjects will help towards entrance to colleges and universities abroad.
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Thanks to your continuous support and the creativity of our educators on the ground, our students will complete another academic year. “The security risks and immense; however, educating girls through community-led initiatives has become of form of resistance and defiance”, according to one of our brave woman teachers.
Please note that we will begin our fundraising campaign on September 11 at 10:00 AM EDT to support our schools next year. Donations will be generously matched by our partner GlobalGiving at that time.
With gratitude,
Timor + The Bamyan Foundation team
Links:
By Timor Karimy | Founder & President
By Timor Karimy | Founder & President
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