Defy the Taliban, Coding Classes for Afghan Girls

While celebrations took place for the 60 brave young women who graduated from this IT program in April, they already were wondering what their next steps would be. Many want to re-enroll in the program to pursue the Coding pathway next. Others are eager to pursue jobs or join other underground programs. 

60 more students have already taken their place to master computers through this secret program. And, the Sahar Education team is working tirelessly with local partners to develop a more comprehensive, year-long, program for future students. 

"Before I joined this course I was depressed because the public places are closed for girls. Afghan girls don’t have the right to be educated. I felt that we women and girls are worthless in this country. Since this program was created, it has given us hope for life again." - Sana

"It was very hard for me when the school was closed to girls and I thought that women and girls are not important for society, even to the international community. It was very difficult for us because we could not do anything for ourselves. I did not lose hope because I am a brave and strong girl. And when I came here, I saw that there are many girls with excellent and talented thoughts." - Rayhana

To support the continued education and empowerment of these bright young women, we ask that you consider a monthly donation of $20. This small sacrifice is enough to sponsor an Underground TechSheroes student as she pursues her dreams.

Without this funding, the reality for these young women is bleak. The loss of the Underground TechSheroes program means more than just missing out on education—it represents a loss of hope, opportunity, and empowerment. These young women will face increased vulnerability in a society where educational and professional opportunities are already severely limited for them. The absence of our program means these bright, eager minds will remain underutilized, confined to the margins of their potential, unable to break the cycles of gender disparity and economic disenfranchisement.

Imagine a world where these young women, who have already shown such promise, are left without the support to grow and contribute to their communities. The impact extends beyond individual lives; it stunts the progress toward gender equality and economic development in Afghanistan. This program not only changes individual lives but also fosters a supportive community that champions broader social change.

Your support can directly prevent this grim reality. With your help, Sahar can continue to offer these life-changing opportunities, ensuring that each young woman not only survives but thrives, becoming a beacon of hope and a catalyst for change within her community.  The cost of inaction is too great—both for these young women and for the future they will help to shape.  Your investment in their futures is an investment in a brighter, more equitable world.

Links:

• Hear from a program graduate!

February marked the beginning of the second round of Underground TechSheroes in Afghanistan! 60 students began the IT course and another 30 embarked on Coding.

The IT students will learn vital computer skills over the 3 months of this program, alongside women's health and empowerment workshops. In May, another 50 IT students will begin the course. Meanwhile, the Coding students will continue the course for 6 months to master HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Bootstrap. 

This program is open to students from 15 to 20 years old who are banned from formal education under the current regime. Past students have graduated with the skills and confidence necessary to pursue employment in medical offices, become freelancers, and enroll in online courses.

This program is made possible not only by your support but also by the bravery of the teachers who hold these programs in secret locations for our students. Despite the heightened risk for the girls and the team with recent reports of the Taliban arresting women for going against their policies, they are committed to the success of these programs.

Want to learn more? Join us on March 7th for an International Women's Day Zoom Round Table. Register free below.

Links:

• Register FREE for the International Women's Day Zoom Round Table
• 2024 Underground TechSheroes Update Video
• Underground TechSheroes Round 1 Documentary Video