Sahar’s Journey

Please note: Sahar’s name has been changed to protect her identity. 
 
Not a global pandemic nor restrictions on women’s education can stop Sahar from empowering Afghan girls. Sahar is a sophomore at AUAF currently taking courses at the American University of Central Asia (AUCA) in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Although Sahar had to flee the country that she loves, she remains dedicated to educating girls and young women back home in Afghanistan. 
 
As a senior in high school, Sahar founded her own non-profit organization in Afghanistan, created to embolden Afghan girls to become leaders in their communities and country. Sahar recalled, “AUAF was always my dream” and hoped to take her passion for empowering Afghan girls to the University where these endeavors thrive. When she arrived at AUAF, Sahar was overwhelmed by the number of students, both girls and boys, eager to get involved in her organization. Despite the remarkable success and large AUAF involvement her organization has had, Sahar did not stop there. She also started a Girl Up Club at AUAF during her freshman year and is now founding a branch club at AUCA. 

 ”AUAF was always my dream”

Although AUAF classes are now remote and students log in from Afghanistan, the United States, and countries around the globe, Sahar’s organization is still very much alive and well. In fact, they recently hosted a free three-day virtual leadership camp. Sahar and her peers managed to connect large groups of females in Afghanistan during this challenging time. Over one hundred female high school and university students participated in the camp to discuss leadership skills, educational topics, and international scholarship opportunities.  
  
At AUAF, a unique culture has been created by a student body that is eager to engage in thoughtful reflection, global engagement, and impassioned advocacy for equality. Even faced with the utmost adversity, AUAF students have proven time and time again that they will find a way to flourish.