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Layla is studying in the library.
Just like the snow melts when spring arrives, every journey has its conclusion. Students from Afghanistan who traveled to Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, for academic opportunities are soon graduating, leaping onto a new and unexplored path.
In 2019, UNDP and the European Union (EU) launched a collaborative initiative to provide educational opportunities to 50 Afghan women in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. With additional EU funding in 2021, the students also got a chance to study in Kyrgyzstan. By 2027, more than 100 Afghan women will earn academic and professional degrees at universities in Central Asia.
Afghanistan is grappling with a set of challenges, such as the violation of women’s rights, a surge in returnees, population displacement, drought, food scarcity, numerous disease outbreaks, and the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. These elements have intensified pre-existing public health concerns, resulting in a crisis for millions of Afghans—according to the World Health Organization (WHO), 14.3 million people in Afghanistan are currently in need of health assistance.
Laila is a student at Tashkent State University of Economics. In February, along with her fellow Afghan students, she will obtain her Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) certificate. Before Tashkent, Laila used to study medicine.
Layla is studying in the library.
“I always dreamt of becoming a doctor to help people in need. However, when the regime changed and the education system was on the verge of collapse, I changed paths. I was fortunate to receive this scholarship, which allowed me to continue my studies. Not in my previous field, yes, but in a new area that is also full of great opportunities,”says Laila.
However, departing to Tashkent itself was a major challenge. Laila’s father was at first hesitant to allow his daughter to study abroad and afraid that she wouldn’t be able to cross the border in peace. Although his fears came true, a miracle happened—a family of Afghans took Laila in to travel together, marking a turning point in her life.
Layla is walking in a park.
“As our society is rather traditional, my family initially did not allow me to accept the scholarship, but my mother was supportive and encouraging. After many challenges, I finally convinced my father to allow me to take this opportunity. Since then, as the situation with women’s rights in Afghanistan worsened, my family realized that I was right to pursue this scholarship,”shares Laila joyfully.
This is indeed a bittersweet moment for Laila and her fellow Afghan students. But Laila is not fazed by the challenges ahead:
“After graduation, my short-term plan is to become a United Nations Volunteer. My long-term goal is to study more and eventually work for the United Nations, contributing to meaningful global initiatives.”
Laila’s story reminds us that hope can be found even in the darkest times if only one seeks it.
A group photo of students in Tashkent.
