How a classroom in a remote Afghan village gave a young girl a future — and a calling
In Dobandi, a remote village in the Baharak District of Afghanistan, school was never something a girl could count on. Distance, poverty and long-standing social barriers kept the classroom out of reach for generations of daughters.
Everything changed in April 2022, when Central Asia Institute (CAI), together with local partner WADAN, opened a Community-Based Education (CBE) classroom in the village itself.
Among the first students to walk through the door was a young girl named Hadia.
“The day our village received a CBE class was one of the happiest days of my life. I enrolled immediately because I knew education was the key to my future.”
A family that chose education
Hadia is one of seven children. Her father works long hours as a driver to support the family, while her mother manages the household and cares for the children. Resources have always been limited, but her parents shared a belief that would help shape their daughters’ futures: education is something no hardship can take away.
When a classroom opened in their own village, they made sure Hadia was among the first to enroll.
Four years of showing up
Today, Hadia is 12-years-old and in grade 5 — and one of the strongest students in her class. Her teachers describe her as curious, disciplined, and eager to learn. She attends regularly, reads with confidence, participates actively in lessons, and often stays after class to help classmates who are struggling.
Her days are busy. After school, she helps her mother with household chores and contributes to her family’s daily responsibilities before returning to her studies. Balancing both requires commitment far beyond her years.
“Education has changed the way I see myself. Before, I was shy and afraid to speak in front of others. Today, I have confidence because my teachers believed in me.”
A dream that reaches beyond herself
Ask Hadia what she wants to become, and she answers without hesitation.
“My dream is to become a teacher. I want every child in my village to have the chance to learn, dream and build a better future. If I become a teacher, I can help many other girls achieve their dreams too.”
Her dream illustrates the power of community-based education. It does more than teach a girl to read and write. It creates future teachers, leaders, and role models in communities where educational opportunities have long been limited. One girl’s education becomes an investment in generations to come.
The story is still being written
The girl who eagerly enrolled in her village’s new classroom in 2022 is now a young student who dreams of giving the same opportunity to others.
Today’s student may become tomorrow’s teacher, mentor, and community leader.
Thank you for helping CAI bring education to Dobandi, to Hadia, and to countless other children whose futures are being transformed through learning.