Sadia’s Story
Sadia Sahar, 24, lives with her large family in the Khash District in Badakhshan. Her parents are farmers. While Sadia was lucky to attain a bachelor’s level education, she worried about her ability to work, especially under Taliban rule.
“We are a family of ten and I am the eldest. I completed my studies, but previously had no opportunity to find a job in our area to help support my family. Of course, the income from farming is insufficient for our needs.”
She graduated with a degree in Chemistry from Badakhshan University in 2019 but felt devastated when, after two years, she could not find a job.
Following the Taliban takeover in August 2021, the environment for women completely changed in Afghanistan. Sadia remembers feeling utter distress. But, like so many other women in Afghanistan, she had no choice but to keep striving towards her goals.
“I was disappointed but kept busy helping my mother with household chores, farm work, and livestock.”
When she learned of the opportunity to work as a teacher at a community-based school established by CAI, she jumped on it.
In addition to earning an income, she feels her social status has been enhanced, and the trainings have improved her qualifications academically. She has received training in pedagogy, psychology, teaching methodology, and child protection measures.
Now Sadia has a clear vision for her future; she is helping to support her family and saving money to pursue her Master’s Degree. Sadia is not giving up on her future, and neither is Central Asia Institute.
“I am paid $100 per month and spend some on my family and save some money to start my master’s degree when I have saved enough.”
