Farida, 14, lives in an internally displaced persons (IDP) camp with her family in Mazar-e-Sharif, Afghanistan. As a young girl, Farida never went to school and was unable to read and write. She recalls a time she lost her mother in the market and didn’t know what to do, how to ask for help or even read signs. 

Farida felt socially isolated, “I remember the days when my relatives encouraged my parents to not allow me to study. I didn’t even have a friend to walk and talk with, to make memories with, to study with, or to share my life challenges.”

This changed once she joined the Back-to-School program, which offered Farida something she’s always wanted: to be in a space with other children and make memories together. A part of Farida that seemed closed before, was now open. 

“Now I know how valuable I am. I respect myself so much. Now my family believes I have a bright future.” 

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*Student’s name has been changed in line with our Child Protection Policy. 

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