From the tender age of 16, my heart belonged to two passions: football and helping others, especially Afghan women and children. 

My days were filled with the sound of laughter echoing across the football field and the joy of making a difference in the lives of those around me. As the years flew by, my life seemed like a dream – filled with the excitement of playing football and the satisfaction of excelling in my studies. However, destiny had a grand plan in store for me, one that would change my life forever. 

In a twist of fate, on that fateful day of August 15, 2021, the tranquility of Kabul was shattered as the Taliban seized control of the city. I watched in disbelief as the familiar streets of my beloved hometown transformed into a battleground of uncertainty and fear. With the dawn of Taliban rule came the implementation of harsh policies, particularly against Afghan women. I couldn’t sit idly by while my sisters and fellow Afghan women faced oppression and discrimination. It was then that I made a courageous decision – to become a beacon of hope and change in the midst of adversity. 

Joined by my sister Shanaz Naderi and brother Mahmood Shah Kabiri, I embarked on a journey to make a difference. Together, we founded the Afghan Girls Success Gate (AGSG), a nonprofit organization with a powerful mission: “Educate an Afghan Girl, Transform the Afghan Nation.” With unwavering determination, we set out to break barriers and empower Afghan girls through education. Despite the challenges and dangers that surrounded us, we worked tirelessly day and night, providing online education to girls who were deprived of learning opportunities.

Our courses covered a wide range of subjects – from English and computer skills to French and German languages, from mental health awareness to climate education. We even went a step further, providing study packages to needy students in need in Kabul, using our own resources to make a difference. Our efforts didn’t go unnoticed. International teachers and professors from around the world joined their cause, volunteering their time and expertise to educate the girls of Afghanistan. Today, AGSG boasts a team of 90% international teachers, all driven by a shared vision of creating a brighter future for Afghan girls. 

But, my mission didn’t stop there. I tirelessly worked to provide educational opportunities for Afghan girls to pursue their studies abroad, opening doors to a world of possibilities beyond the borders of Afghanistan. As we approach the graduation of our second batch of students, numbering over 600 strong, my team and I stand as living proof that even in the darkest of times, a single spark of hope can ignite a flame of change. 

Through our courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment to the cause, we continue to write the most extraordinary chapter in the story of Afghanistan’s future. And for me, the journey is only just beginning.