Central Asia Institute in Afghanistan: The Fight for Education

Students in Afghanistan

Educating the next generation of Afghans CAI is one of the few international organizations still working in Afghanistan. By continuing to enroll Afghan children, especially girls, from poor, marginalized communities into primary school, we are fighting back against the Taliban’s repressive regime. By learning to read, write, and understand basic math, these children will have […]

Why Every Girl Matters

Students in Afghanistan

By Natalie Meyer As a college student, education profoundly changed and shaped my life. My classes have taught me to think critically, ask questions, and imagine new possibilities for myself. But more importantly, education has given me a sense of autonomy. It’s empowered me to take ownership of my voice, my decisions, and the life […]

Afghans Face Deportation

Afghans peering through curtain

An Afghan refugee girl peers through a torn curtain at the entrance of her home at Kababayan Refugee Camp in Peshawar, Pakistan (AP Photo/Muhammad Sajjad) Voice your opposition to harmful U.S. policies Since the Taliban retook control of Afghanistan nearly four years ago, thousands of Afghans who fled the country have been given protection by […]

How Central Asia celebrates Nowruz and Eid

Happy Nowruz

Central Asia Institute wishes all who celebrate a Happy Nowruz Mubarak, or beginning of Spring, and a joyful Eid al-Fitr!   By Bella Pich Have you ever wondered how Central Asia celebrates Nowruz Mubarak and Eid al-Fitr? Nowruz, meaning “New Day”, is the Persian New Year celebrated on the spring equinox, marking the beginning of […]