Najia, a 17-year-old girl from Charbagh Village in Surkhrod District, Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan, is a student in a Literacy and Vocational Training Center, where she is learning valuable embroidery skills.
Growing up in a household where opportunities were scarce, Najia often felt hopeless. Her father, Ajmal, struggled to provide for the family by selling groceries from a hand cart, earning just enough to cover half of their expenses. For Najia and many girls in her community, the future seemed limited to household duties, leaving little room for education or financial independence.
However, everything began to change when Najia learned about the Literacy and Vocational Training Center, thanks to the village community head. Excited about the possibility of a brighter future, she quickly applied for the program. The following day, social workers conducted a survey, and Najia was selected to join both the literacy classes and vocational training.
Now, Najia attends classes with optimism and enthusiasm, gaining essential skills that are opening doors for her future. She and her classmates are learning not just the fundamentals of literacy but also specialized skills related to the embroidery profession. “I believe that I will be able to start and manage my own business one day,” she shares, filled with hope.
Through her journey, Najia represents a broader shift in Charbagh Village, where girls are beginning to break free from traditional constraints and envision a future where they can contribute to their families and communities. The skills she is acquiring are not just a pathway to personal success; but a catalyst for change, inspiring others to pursue their dreams as well.
Story from, Refugee Project South Asia (RPSA)_Empowering women, promoting peace, networking across countries, enabling education: Better integration of refugees and internally displaced persons in host communities. ‘Implemented by Aschiana, written by Ahmad Fawad Raufi.