Asia’s Story
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.
An Uncertain Journey
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.
A Leader in the Making
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.”
