Defying Darkness: The Secret Schools of Afghanistan
How one Australian-led initiative is illuminating a path to education for Afghanistan's girls.
August 17, 2023 - The world watched in collective heartbreak as the Taliban resumed control over Afghanistan. For many, the move represented a regression, an erasure of the progress achieved over two decades. Yet, in the face of adversity, champions of hope have emerged.
Gulghotai Bezhan, known affectionately as Gula, watched the fall of Kabul from Melbourne. But she wasn't just a passive observer. When the Taliban slammed the doors of schools on young girls, she took it upon herself to discreetly unlock them.
Operating under the cloak of secrecy, Gula transformed an established charity home into a haven of learning. Ostensibly a madrasa, this institution became a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Here, education didn’t just continue—it thrived.
This isn't merely Gula's story. It's a narrative that spans continents. The Massoud Foundation in Australia is at the forefront of this educational resurgence. Mitra Forugh, an art degree holder from Kabul University, now offers online art classes for women and girls in Afghanistan from Sydney, providing not just skills but a semblance of normalcy.
The Foundation's Executive Director, Bilal W. Sangy, remains optimistic, driven by interactions with these young learners. For these girls, education isn't just about books—it's a form of resistance, a pathway to reclaim their rights and redefine their future.
What began as a singular act of defiance has grown into a movement. Gula's underground network, which started within the confines of a charity home, has branched out, embracing and empowering over a hundred girls across Afghanistan. Subjects like English, maths, and science have been reintroduced into their lives, pushing back against the oppressive edicts of the Taliban.
As we mark the grim anniversary of the Taliban's resurgence, let this tale of defiance be our beacon. It's a reminder that even in the face of overwhelming darkness, there are points of light, waiting to be kindled, nurtured, and spread.
Our role? To amplify these stories. To support these initiatives. And to ensure that every girl in Afghanistan, and indeed the world, realizes her right to education.
