Lighting the path to education for Afghan girls

When the Taliban took power in Afghanistan in 2021, they closed the doors of education for millions of Afghan girls. But Mohaddesa Hassani refused to accept this fate. In a country where the pursuit of knowledge was becoming a distant dream, she defied the odds by launching Daricha. This online education platform connects Afghan girls with teachers worldwide, offering them a lifeline to education despite the oppressive regime.

At the time, Hassani was an enthusiastic student at Marefat High School, where education was a vital part of her life. She loved reading, writing short stories, and learning new languages, such as English. But everything changed when she was in 10th grade, and the Taliban seized control of Afghanistan, stripping millions of girls, including Hassani, of their right to education. 

On the day the Taliban entered Kabul in 2021, Hassani was sitting in the middle of an exam at school. Suddenly, her teacher rushed into the classroom, frantic, urging the students to leave immediately. 

"It felt like a movie, and I was just an audience member watching it unfold," Hassani said. "We ran home, urged by everyone to move faster, but I was confused, unable to understand what was happening." 

Hassani stayed indoors for the next week, overwhelmed by the chaos and uncertainty. As her friends began leaving the country, Hassani felt an intense loneliness, unsure of what her future would hold. 

"In those moments, it felt like the world was moving on without me, and I was stuck in a place where nothing made sense," Hassani said. 

Hassani refused to give up on her dream of learning. Determined to continue her education, she discovered a program called "Transition to Success," supported by the American University of Afghanistan. This initiative offered online courses for girls who could no longer attend school. Upon completing the courses, participants received a certificate that allowed them to apply to universities, even without a high school diploma.  

Mohaddessa Hassani with her friends in Kabul, Afghanistan. Their faces have been blurred for safety reasons. | Photo Submitted to HerStory.

“I was lucky enough to be participating in this program and continuing my education in the darkest days of my life,” Hassani said. “It helped me get a certification that gave me hope for my future.” 

As she completed her studies with the Transition to Success program, Hassani recognized the immense need for educational opportunities for other girls in Afghanistan. Through her involvement in a youth ambassador program for sustainable development and leadership, supported by The HundrED organization, she connected with people from around the world, which inspired her to help other Afghan girls access education. Reaching out to her two friends in India and England, she co-founded Daricha, an online education platform that connects Afghan girls with volunteer tutors from around the globe.  

Despite being a small team with limited experience, they created the platform, quickly growing it to reach over 450 students and offering a crucial lifeline to education for those living under the Taliban’s rule. 

"Even though we were just three young people with little experience, we created these classes and were able to give hope to so many girls," Hassani said. "It showed me that even the smallest efforts can make a big difference in someone's life." 

Through the Daricha program, Hassani and her team are continuing to work to secure scholarships and opportunities for students to leave Afghanistan, offering them a chance to continue their education abroad. 

A girl attending Daricha's online class. | Photo submitted by Mohaddessa Hassani to HerStory.

Two months ago, Hassani herself fled the country, helped by her American teacher, and was accepted into Porterville College in California. She is now pursuing her education in safety. 

“I am so happy to have gotten out of Afghanistan and been accepted into college,” Hasani said. “I can’t believe I’m finally in real classrooms after three years.” 

Though Hassani is now in a safer place, Hassani’s heart is still with the girls she left behind in Afghanistan. She hopes to return one day to work in the education sector and help make her country a more literate and educated society.  

"One day, I want to return and be part of the change that brings education and opportunity to every girl in my country," Hassani said.