Hazrat Wahriz’s Initiative Empowering Afghan Girls’ Education
Mohaddesa Hassani, a former student in Kabul, faced disruptions in her education due to the Taliban’s resurgence in Afghanistan in August 2021. Despite the ban on girls’ education above sixth grade imposed by the Taliban, Hassani found a way to continue her studies with the help of underground classes established by Daricha School, a Toronto-based organization led by Hazrat Wahriz.
Wahriz, a former university instructor and government official in Afghanistan, founded Daricha School to provide educational opportunities for Afghan girls. With a network of 175 teachers and over 6,000 students, Daricha offers classes in subjects like math, science, and English in clandestine settings, often held in teachers’ homes. These efforts, though risky, have not been raided by the Taliban, thanks to community support and protection.
The ban on education has had severe consequences for Afghan women and girls, leading to increased child marriage rates, literacy disparities, and limited job prospects, exacerbating poverty in the country. Despite these challenges, organizations like Daricha and Right to Learn Afghanistan continue to support education initiatives for girls in Afghanistan, with many operating covertly.
Innovative solutions have emerged, such as an online tutoring network connecting 700 Afghan girls with 480 tutors worldwide, empowering them to pursue education despite the obstacles. Daricha also assists students in applying for scholarships and post-secondary education opportunities globally, with 49 graduates currently studying abroad.
Lauryn Oates, the executive director of Right to Learn Afghanistan, emphasizes the importance of international support for educators in Afghanistan to ensure sustainability and fill the gaps left by the current authorities. Education remains a crucial tool for fostering positive change in Afghanistan, empowering individuals to shape a brighter future for themselves and their country.
