Casting a light

Daricha stands as a beacon of hope in a world where support for Afghan girls’ education often feels more like empty rhetoric than actionable commitment. Despite being consistently overlooked by donors and organizations that proclaim their dedication to women’s rights in Afghanistan, Daricha draws its strength and inspiration from extraordinary individuals like Gunce Arkan. Her story, shared below, is a testament to the unwavering courage and determination of Daricha’s volunteers and students. It highlights the resilience of those who refuse to let darkness prevail, even in the face of overwhelming challenges. This is why Daricha endures — because of

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Defying the Taliban’s Ban on Girls’ Education: The Home Schools Bringing Hope to Afghanistan

By: Arezo Rahimi In the wake of the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan in August 2021, the fate of the country’s young women has become increasingly uncertain and bleak. The Taliban’s decision to suspend secondary and high school education for girls in March 2022 has further exacerbated the dire situation, effectively erasing women from public life. The condition worsened in November when the Taliban extended their oppressive policies to forbid women from attending university or working with national and international organizations. Over the last two years, the Taliban has issued a series of decrees that have significantly impacted women’s rights

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World Literacy Day: The elusive dream of literacy for women in Afghanistan

By Alma Begum* Through its home schools, Daricha School (called Maktab-e Daricha in Persian) seeks to educate young girls, mothers and elderly women, many of whom have spent a lifetime dreaming of literacy, reading, and writing but have never found the opportunity to realize this dream. Not only has Daricha gathered girls who can no longer attend schools, but it encourages their mothers and other female relatives, and even neighbours to learn how to read and write. When we receive reports on literacy programs, my colleagues and I in the technical department of Daricha enthusiastically review the videos, photos,

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Casting a light

Daricha stands as a beacon of hope in a world where support for Afghan girls’ education often feels more like empty rhetoric than actionable commitment. Despite being consistently overlooked by donors

Read More »