Our Alumni Success Stories
We’re honored to showcase a series of articles that celebrate the accomplishments of Afghan girls who have overcome incredible challenges to achieve success. These stories offer a glimpse into the lives of young women who have defied stereotypes and pushed past obstacles to pursue their goals. These girls are proving that anything is possible with hard work and a willingness to take risks; Through their hard work and dedication, they’ve become role models for girls everywhere.
We hope you enjoy reading these pieces as much as we do! And hope these articles inspire you to believe in yourself and your own abilities and to never give up on your dreams.
Yoldoz Atif Fanoos
" I always have struggled for improvement and I have always been successful in my work and my life. During my job, I visited poor people in different places in the country and I helped them, and I found work for the elders of the family like brothers, fathers, etc. "
Yoldoz Atif Fanoos
This is Yoldoz Atif Fanoos, one of the young Afghan women who always try to learn new things and issues and, be successful in her life. This is very important for everyone to participate in conferences, educational programs, workshops, and every program that can create motivation in people’s minds. I graduated from the Law faculty with a high percentage of 95.33 from the university in first grade. During my university, I was a very active and hardworking student, I have participated in every program, workshop, and conference and I have taken a lot of professional certificates. I have participated in the programs held around the country and taken certificates from that. I had a part-time job at my university in the legal and management section, I was a very active employee and always I became the best employee of the year during my job. When I was a student, I helped a charity for widows and Orphan children, I have continued helping even after graduating from university. After graduating from university I applied for a job as the Attorney General of Afghanistan and fortunately, I was accepted to that job. Due to hard work and dedication, I was able to get promoted within two months.
I always have struggled for improvement and I have always been successful in my work and my life. During my job, I visited poor people in different places in the country and I helped them, and I found work for the elders of the family like brothers, fathers, etc. I was a member of many organizations and I have certificates from them, I finished two Leadership programs, I have a certificate from the United States Institute of Peace(USIP), a certificate from TED× KabulUniversity EVENT, a certificate from the 2021 International Essay Contest for Young People presented by the Goi Peace Foundation, a certificate from Afghanistan Second Annual International Criminal Court (ICC)Moot Court Competition. During my job, I applied for a master’s degree and wanted to upgrade my educational level but unfortunately, because of the situation in Afghanistan, I couldn’t continue.
Having hoped to achieve my goal of taking my master’s degree, I applied to a Turkish University and got accepted to the relevant university. When I wanted to come to Turkey, I faced some problems at the airport, the Taliban did not allow me to travel to Turkey but with the help of Allah (J), I was able to come to Turkey. Although I finished my master’s degree at the University of Turkey, I wasn’t stopped there and applied to other countries too for taking my second master’s. Fortunately, I was accepted by Italy at UNITUS University this scholarship was for women. Now I am a member of the Youth for Youth organization, WERA organization, Afghans For Progressive Thinking organization, and Victor Academy. When I traveled to Turkey at that time I learned and experienced a lot of new things and issues. Life abroad is both good and difficult, the good thing is that you can study, you can learn so many new things and your knowledge increases, but the difficult part is that you should work a lot, It will be very hard for an individual to travel abroad alone but you should be tolerant and continue your education and your way to make your dreams come true and achieve all of your goals. I want to travel around the world and be introduced to their cultures and raise my awareness level.
I have a lot of goals and plans for my country’s girls God Willing I will do all of that and help them to continue their education and achieve their goals.
Arzo Hakimi
" I had the honor to participate in the first round of Girls Educational Virtual Camp and Training on Applying for Scholarship programs held by the Girls Toward Leadership Organization. Those programs had a remarkable impact on my personal growth and self-understanding. Indeed, they were designed to inspire Afghan girls to continue trying and managing the challenges they face while achieving their goals. "
Arzo Hakimi
My name is Arzo Hakimi, an Afghan girl with many big wishes and goals. During my academic journey, I have always been one of the top students in my class, gaining the highest percentage. I studied until the eleventh grade but was not able to continue my high school studies since schools are banned for us. Despite this, I have been trying to educate myself through online courses, educational camps, symposiums, and informational programs. I had the honor to participate in the first round of Girls Educational Virtual Camp and Training on Applying for Scholarship programs held by the Girls Toward Leadership Organization. Those programs had a remarkable impact on my personal growth and self-understanding. Indeed, they were designed to inspire Afghan girls to continue trying and managing the challenges they face while achieving their goals. In addition, I could improve my international understanding by participating in the International Intellectual Symposium held by the Generation of Thinkers Organization. Meanwhile, I tried to improve my English language fluency and learned drawing and painting during this time. I love art because it gives me calmness and helps me to understand myself more. It is a pleasure for me that one of my artworks was published by the Girls Toward Leadership Organization in honor of Women’s History Month. Moreover, I have been trying to be the change I wish to see in my society by doing volunteer activities. Recently, I launched a book club for children and was trying to inspire them to read more books. In addition, I served voluntarily as an English language teacher in a public school. These activities affected my communication and leadership skills positively and improved the comprehension of my society. Indeed, I like empowering people around me through these activities. I wish to continue my education in one of the best universities in the world, become an educated and capable person and have the opportunity to serve my country one day, especially Afghan women through art and education.
Mariam Ali
"As an alumnus of the G2L program, I want to wholeheartedly convey my appreciation to the G2L team, our exceptional instructors, and the event organizers for providing this incredibly valuable research and leadership opportunity. Throughout G2L’s programs, I acquired valuable knowledge and insights into the realm of research and leadership, and I thoroughly relished the enlightening sessions that spanned. I am genuinely thrilled to have been a part of such a remarkable research and leadership experience. "
Mariam Ali
As an alumnus of the G2L program, I want to convey my appreciation to the G2L team, our exceptional instructors, and the event organizers for providing this incredibly valuable research and leadership opportunity. Throughout G2L’s programs, I acquired valuable knowledge and insights into the realm of research and leadership, and I thoroughly relished the enlightening sessions that spanned. I am genuinely thrilled to have been a part of such a remarkable research and leadership experience. Being an alumnus of G2L enhanced my qualifications in my personal and professional life. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all of you for your hard work and dedication.
Shukria Zafar
" I was one of the G2L leadership development program participants, by joining that program I learn a lot about how to manage myself, my time, and my daily activities. The instructors and the team tried their best to convey a great message to the participants and they have done that successfully. The environment of learning was really interesting and friendly we learned great lessons from other participants' experiences. "
Shukria Zafar
I am Shukria Zafar, I studied BBA at Kabul University. I finished high school at Mawlana Jalaludin Mohammad Balkhi, in Kabul city. During school and university, I joined many English learning institutions and got my certifications. Also, I have worked as a volunteer several times. In my first year of university I joined AEESO ORGANIZATION and worked as a volunteer, after that I worked voluntarily at the economics library at Kabul University. Currently, I am working at TASEO organization in the project management Department and working as a teacher in one of the private schools as well.
Through these activities, I have learned and achieved a lot of knowledge experience, and skills.
I participated in many programs virtually and physically. It helps me to get a lot of knowledge.
I was one of the G2L leadership development program participants, by joining that program I learn a lot about how to manage myself, my time, and my daily activities. The instructors and the team tried their best to convey a great message to the participants and they have done that successfully.
The environment of learning was really interesting and friendly we learned great lessons from other participants’ experiences. We got motivated and inspired by the instructors and the team. It had a lot of entertainment and activities for encouraging us. As an Afghan lady, it was such an amazing opportunity for us to improve our knowledge. We thank the whole team of G2L for their efforts toward Afghan ladies.
Madiha Safi
" Fortunately, I have received the email of being selected as a participant. It was four days of training from June 4th to 7th, 2022. For me, it was not just online training, it was more than that because after that training the doors of success opened to me, if not exaggerate. I learned the processes, steps, and how to pass the interview successfully and receive a scholarship. I always try to expand my educational and professional background. "
Madiha Safi
It was 2022 when I participated in a virtual training held by the Girls Toward Leadership Organization. Sometimes, in our lives, we face a tiny opportunity that has a big influence on our future success. Honestly, it is our thought that we divide opportunities into small and big ones, but for me, Applying for Scholarships Training was such an honorable opportunity. As I comprehend, I never achieve success without struggle and hard work, and I believe that everything occurs at the exact and specific time. Applying for Scholarship Training can be a good example of what I implied. When G2L announced the first round of this online training, I applied, but I did not have much luck for being shortlisted. I never gave up, and I applied for the second round. Fortunately, I have received the email of being selected as a participant. It was four days of training from June 4th to 7th, 2022. For me, it was not just online training, it was more than that because after that training the doors of success opened to me, if not exaggerate. I learned the processes, steps, and how to pass the interview successfully and receive a scholarship. I always try to expand my educational and professional background. Thus, I have started to work with G2L as a member since February 24th, 2023. Currently, I work as a graphic designer, and I am very happy to work with such an extraordinary team. Till the sun is in the sky, there is hope to try.
Parwin Khodadadi
"My experience working at a local center for several months profoundly underscored the significance of education. The resilience of the people I encountered and the environment I was immersed in motivated me to strive for excellence. During the G2L programs, I encountered excellent teachers, I also felt relaxed and close to my purpose because I learned about Applying for different scholarships. "
Parwin Khodadadi
In light of the current situation in Afghanistan, particularly the state of education following the takeover by the Taliban, I, as an Afghan girl who has not had the privilege of attending school regularly, find it imperative to express my unwavering determination to pursue higher education at any program. Throughout my school years, my educational pursuits were often interrupted due to my father’s illness, which required frequent hospital visits, In his final moments, my father imparted a lasting piece of advice to me: to never cease learning, even in the most challenging circumstances, and to be self-reliance. This profound guidance served as a profound source of inspiration and has since connected me such this program. My experience working at a local center for several months profoundly underscored the significance of education. The resilience of the people I encountered and the environment I was immersed in motivated me to strive for excellence. During the G2L programs, I encountered excellent teachers, I also felt relaxed and close to my purpose because I learned about Applying for different scholarships.
Adila Haidari
" I was fortunate to participate in a three-day virtual camp organized by the Girls Toward Leadership organization. This program offered an excellent platform for personal and professional development. The program provided a unique opportunity to inspire and motivate girls not to give up in the face of challenges. Although achieving one's goals can be difficult and daunting, it is important to learn how to manage these obstacles and persevere. "
Adila Haidari
My name is “Adila Haidari” a young woman who is on a journey of self-improvement and is passionate about learning and gaining new skills and knowledge.
I believe, extra activities, such as attending conferences, training, and programs, offer individuals a valuable opportunity to enhance their critical thinking and negotiation skills, which can be of immense value both personally and professionally. Based on this conviction, I actively participated in several leadership training and programs, such as the Kabul Model United Nations, which provided me with a deeper understanding of international affairs. Additionally, I took part in the Youth Speak forum and leadership training at Rana University, where I gained new experiences and knowledge on handling life situations, effectively communicating with different age groups, and solving problems. The skills and expertise I acquired through these experiences opened new doors for me and enabled me to secure a fully-funded scholarship from Promote, which was supporting Afghan Women to pursue their bachelor’s degrees within the country.
I was fortunate to participate in a three-day virtual camp organized by the Girls Toward Leadership organization. This program offered an excellent platform for personal and professional development. The program provided a unique opportunity to inspire and motivate girls not to give up in the face of challenges. Although achieving one’s goals can be difficult and daunting, it is important to learn how to manage these obstacles and persevere. This virtual camp was a source of motivation for all participants, encouraging them to be strong and hopeful even in the midst of chaos. It was a reminder that with determination and perseverance, anything is achievable, and no dream is too big to pursue.
Despite facing numerous challenges, I have remained committed to my educational pursuits and am currently pursuing my Master’s degree at the Islamic International University of Indonesia. Though being away from home is difficult, I remain steadfast in my focus on my studies. My perseverance serves as a reminder that, even in the face of adversity, with determination and dedication, one can overcome any obstacle and achieve their dreams.
I strongly believe that every new opportunity, whether it be academic or extracurricular, presents a valuable chance for individuals to grow and develop into their best selves. Each experience offers a unique set of lessons and insights that can help us become wiser, more capable, and better equipped to achieve our goals. It is through embracing these opportunities that we can take meaningful steps toward our desired futures and realize our full potential. As I pursue my goals and overcome obstacles on my educational journey, I hope to inspire and motivate other young people to pursue their passions with relentless determination. I firmly believe that anyone can achieve their dreams with the right mindset and opportunities. So let’s strive for excellence and encourage each other to be the best versions of ourselves, for the benefit of not only ourselves but also our communities and the world at large.
Fatima Safdari
"The Leadership program was a great opportunity for me to improve my leadership skills and expand my knowledge. One of the most positive points about this program was that I met new talented, expert, and active girls from my country. Each of them and their activities motivated me not to give up. A special thanks to our dear mentors who made each day of our class useful and perfect. "
Fatima Safdari
The Leadership program was a great opportunity for me to improve my leadership skills and expand my knowledge. One of the most positive points about this program was that I met new talented, expert, and active girls from my country. Each of them and their activities motivated me not to give up. A special thanks to our dear mentors who made each day of our class useful and perfect. Actually I should say that they are the real source of our success during the whole program. I could learn many new things, find great and talented friends and experience a different exciting journey. One of the most positive points about this program was this that it motivated me to join an online voluntary teaching course for Afghan girls. It was a great honor for me to be a part of this useful program. Once again billions of thanks for those who helped and created such a unique opportunity for Afghan girls. We are Looking forward to the new coming programs of G2L.