Scholarships for At-risk Youth in Afghanistan

While schools for boys are open in Afghanistan; however, schools for girls (grades 7-12) remain closed since the collapse of the Afghan government in August 2021. Our partner schools have designed special programs for girls, with the approval of Afghanistan’s current rulers, so that they continue their education. The programs include segregated classrooms and female teachers for girls. The programs further incorporate online classes and provide course content on flash drives and via telegram channels. The girl students resume their education informally but they will take the mid-term and final exams. The Schools will keep track of their progress and will place them in proper grades based on their performance in the exams.

Bamyan Foundation has provided 675 scholarships (356 scholarships for girls and 319 scholarships for boys) for at-risk Hazara youth since the inception of our scholarship program in 2016. This academic year, we intended to provide 381 scholarships; however, due to the volatile situation and direct threats, we had to suspend one of the programs that included scholarships for 200 girls. Our fear and concerns were materialized by the devastating attack on Kaaj Academy on September 30^th that killed 57, mostly girls, and injured 115. The rest of the program continues with other partner schools. The updated number of scholarships for 2022 academic year is 181 total scholarships (110 scholarships for girls and 71 scholarships for boys).

While discrimination and marginalization of Hazaras go back to over a century in Afghanistan, Hazaras have been under systematic attacks for over a decade, and the attacks have significantly increased in the past one year. The reason for such unprovoked attacks is endemic racism coupled with religious hatred and the Hazara community’s overwhelming support for moderate norms and democratic values during the US-led intervention in Afghanistan. Our schools, mosques, sports centers, hospital, and other civilian facilities have come under increased attacks in recent months, the latest one was the devastating attack on Kaaj Academy (please see the attached NPR and BBC articles).  

In a relevant update, 7 Hazara women in Kabul Univesity dormitories were poisoned, according to Afghan news outlet, Etliaatroz. This is particularly troubling as only Hazara women were targetted. And it didnt stop there - the univesity subsequently expelled the students from the university. Another Afghan news outlet Hashtesobh reports that about 20 more Hazara women students are on the expulsion list. Reports suggest that the poisoning and subsequent expulsion is due to the students trying to participate in a rally to protest against the attack on Kaaj Academy (please see attached article for more details).

It is impossible to imagine the negative impacts of such terrifying attacks and descriminaory policies on students, parents and the community. According to one of our school principals, parents are concerned about their children’s safety, and the lack of security have resulted to low attendance rates at schools, particularly following school attacks. We have also heard echoes of defiance as community leaders are encouraging to prioritize education even more, as they see education as the only way forward, even in this challenging times in Afghanistan.  

The Hazaras are going through one of the most difficult times in Afghan history. We need your support to keep the schools open, teachers at schools and students in classes. Sharing our project with your family and friends helps us spread the word about our work and continue to grow our community of supporters like you. If you’re willing to share the story of our work with your network, we’d be incredibly grateful.

With Grattitude,

Timor + The Bamyan Foundation Team

Links:

• Diary of a Hazara girl
• Attack on Kaaj Academy
• Hazara girls expelled from Kabul University