Meet Amreen in Afghanistan: one girl’s determination to get an education

BY BRAC USA

In the rugged terrains of Afghanistan’s Kapisa province, a young girl named Amreen (name changed for privacy) found herself at the heart of an age-old question: “Is education only reserved for boys?” But Amreen’s story embraces the power of education and the strength of a young girl’s voice.

The story of Amreen and her family is a testament to the importance of girls’ education in Afghanistan. It is also an example of how one girl can change her life, her family’s life, and the lives of those around her. 

Afghanistan is the only country in the world that has banned secondary and higher education for girls over the age of 12. As a result,  an overwhelming 80% of school-aged Afghan girls are not in school.

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Amreen’s story begins with her home life. She lives with her parents and seven siblings.  Her parents themselves were unable to get an education. In their community, discriminatory gender norms are common and, as a result, Amreen and her sisters faced different treatment than their brothers.

Amreen’s father believed that education was meant solely for boys, and that his daughters should focus on learning household chores. 

“My father would say that girls belonged at home, that we only had to learn the skills to become good wives and mothers,” Amreen recounted.

But 2023 marked a turning point for Amreen and many girls like her. BRAC opened a community-based accelerated learning school in Qali Regee, designed for girls ages ten through 15 who had never attended school or dropped out early. The program helped girls complete grades one through five in just three years. Afterwards, they would be prepared to reintegrate into formal education systems.

“When I saw other girls in my village going to school, I dreamt of joining school and being like them,” said Amreen.

Amreen’s mother, convinced of the value of education, attended one of BRAC’s village meetings. There, she learned about the school’s curriculum and offerings and, more importantly, about the importance of educating girls.

“My mother returned home convinced that her daughters should be attending school,” Amreen shared. “She requested my father to enroll me at the BRAC school as I am within the age group the school welcomed. But my father refused.”

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Despite initial resistance, Amreen’s mother eventually persuaded her husband to allow their daughter to attend school, with the help of BRAC staff and respected community members. They helped convey that education for girls is equally essential as it is for boys.

“When I heard that I was going to BRAC school, I could not believe it. It was the happiest moment in my life, which I will never forget,” said Amreen. “The school gave me a bag, pencils, notebooks and textbooks on the very first day.”

When I heard that I was going to BRAC school, I could not believe it. It was the happiest moment in my life, which I will never forget.” -Amreen

After joining BRAC’s accelerated learning program, Amreen began thriving academically. And seeing her progress, her father changed his tune. “Witnessing my progress, my father stopped expressing his reservation about girls going to school. He is happy to see how well I am doing,” Amreen shared.

Now, Amreen is dreaming big! She dreams of becoming a doctor to serve her community. 

“I want to become a doctor one day and provide essential healthcare services to those in need, especially to those here in my village. My education has given me the confidence to pursue this dream and contribute to society,” said Amreen.

My education has given me the confidence to pursue this dream and contribute to society.” -Amreen

Amreen’s story is a beacon of hope—and a testament to the transformative power of education. Education can unlock potential in every girl’s life. Her story reminds us of the challenges girls face in accessing education—and their remarkable resilience and courage in pursuit of their rights.

As we reflect on Amreen’s journey from the confines of household chores to the liberating halls of learning, it’s crucial to continue standing up for girls. Education is not a privilege to be reserved for a select few, but a fundamental human right that every child deserves.

Amreen has another dream, too—one for girls like her. “I am hopeful that more girls will have the chance to change their lives through education, just like I have.”

You can make that dream come true. Donate now to help more girls like Amreen to change their lives through education.

BRAC is committed to helping ensure every child receives a quality education, regardless of who they are or where they come from. Learn more about our education programs, and discover our other impactful work to support women and girls in Afghanistan.