Asia is a second grader on a mission. Living in the Dasht Sar Lola village of Badakhshan, Asia has faced tremendous obstacles in her journey towards education, but she has also discovered the satisfaction of learning and personal achievement. After achieving the highest marks in her first grade class, Asia is determined to see continued success in second grade.
Asia attends a Community-Based Education (CBE) class that was established by WADAN under the CAI-funded Afghan Girls Education (AGE) project in April 2022. CBE classrooms operate in community buildings as a way of providing education in remote areas that is close to home. Larger formal schools are often too far and too difficult to access for the youngest children, making CBE an invaluable initiative in these remote areas.
Despite her present success, Asia’s story wasn’t always a happy one. Born into extreme poverty, her parents were distraught to see their child, in their words, “wandering the streets.” Struggling to cover the basics, they knew they wouldn’t be able to transport her to the distant formal school and cover any fees needed for school supplies.
When the CBE classroom opened in their community, a weight lifted off their shoulders and they began to see a brighter future ahead for Asia. Although merely attending school was a success, her parents were astounded to see her outstanding performance.
Asia was recently recognized in her District as one of the top students of her grade, amongst 92 classes under the AGE project in Badakhshan.
“I felt very happy when my teacher and [the community mobilizers] congratulated me and my classmates cheered me for getting the top position in my class. I became more excited about my future” Asia said.
Asia took to school quickly. During first grade, she learned basic mathematics, reading, and writing skills and especially enjoyed her lessons on geography, painting and drawing. She actively took part in the class with joy and interest.
Her teacher, Gul Beigum said, “Sometimes she was teaching her classmates and attended group activities in an active manner. She did her homework on a regular basis, and I often saw her studying during break times. I am proud to see my student get the first position throughout Badakhshan under the AGE project.”
In the Ishkashan Village of Badakhshan District, Afghanistan, primary education is not a guarantee. Although all children are expected to attend primary school through sixth grade, the barriers to attendance are high. In sparsely populated, mountainous areas, formal school buildings are often a long distance—certainly too long for young children to access—and systemic issues related to poverty add to the challenges. Community-Based Education (CBE), in which small highly localized classes are held in a community building, provides an important bridge to education for the most remote communities.
Royesa is one of the children taking advantage of the opportunity afforded by her local CBE classroom. A 10-year-old girl from Ishkashan Village, she has become an inspiring example of the importance of education. Royesa is currently studying in the second grade at a CBE class established by CAI in partnership with the Welfare Association for the Development of Afghanistan (WADAN). But, like so many in her village, Royesa’s path to learning was not without obstacles.
Despite her initial enrollment and early attendance, Royesa’s teacher, Shukria, was concerned about her sudden absence from class. Shukria informed a child protection team that Royesa’s father had tasked her with caring for the family’s cattle instead of going to school.
The child protection team visited Royesa’s mountainous village and met with her parents. During their conversation, Royesa’s father, Mr. Noor Mohammad explained that his demanding work as a daily wage laborer for a construction company left him with no one to care for their cows, which was their primary source of financial support. Consequently, he asked Royesa, his eldest daughter, to leave school and take responsibility for grazing the animals.
Child Protection Team Member Meeting with Royesa’s Father
Understanding the potential impact on Royesa’s future, the child protection officers worked hand in hand with Royesa’s parents. Financial constraints were a common cause of student absence in the region, compounded by other challenges like remote settings, inaccessible routes, insecurity, and cultural restrictions.
With compassion and conviction, the Child Protection officers emphasized the importance and potential ripple effect of Royesa’s education and successfully convinced her parents to reconsider their decision. In the end, Royesa’s parents agreed to allow her to attend school. In mid-May, the officers followed up with the school, and her teacher confirmed Royesa’s consistent attendance, noting her joy and enthusiasm in the classroom.
Royesa herself expressed her happiness and gratitude for the opportunity to attend school and join her classmates and her hope for a future career in education.
“I am very happy to attend class and be with my classmates. I completed the first grade with good marks, and I want to become a teacher and educate other children.”
Royesa Reading with her Classmates
Mr. Dor Mohammad, a community elder, recognizes the transformative impact of education on the lives of children like Royesa.
He added, “I appreciate the CBE classes established by WADAN and extend my thanks to the Central Asia Institute (CAI) for their support and funding. They are making a real difference in our community.”
Royesa’s journey serves as a powerful reminder that education should never be delayed. Through the collective efforts of organizations, communities, and supportive partners, barriers can be overcome, ensuring a brighter future for all children, regardless of their circumstances.
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