Grow Peace in Afghanistan: Educate Women & Girls

Dear friends,

The last few months have seen great things for Aid Afghanistan for Education. We are moving forward with our programming and funding and are so happy to have you along for the journey! None of our progress would have been possible without you. Let me tell you the story of one of our newest students, named Freshtah.

Though she is a Kabul native, Freshtah, and her family migrated to Herat, in the west of Afghanistan, during the years of war. Freshtah has always had an itch for education and asked her father to hire a tutor for her. For awhile, she enjoyed studying with her tutor at home. Then, when she was just 13, her educational career took a turn for the worse when her father decided to marry her off due to financial issues. Freshtah's husband, who was much older than her, frequently abused her. The beating caused Freshtah to lose most of her vision in one eye. Last year, Freshtah's husband brought her back to Kabul and went back to Herat, leaving her there.

But last year, things started to look up. Now 27 years old, Freshtah enrolled in 6th grade at an AAE school. In the afternoons, she takes English classes and tailors clothing in the evenings to support herself. Freshtah's parents are still very poor, so she is living with her aunt.

Not unlike many of AAE's students, Freshtah has lead a very difficult life. But she knows her situation will improve. Freshtah has immense hopes for herself and knows that education will help her have a better life. Because of her age, AAE is the only option she has to reach her dreams.

Your support is vital in providing education to vulnerable Afghan women and girls like Freshtah. Please consider a donation today to foster peace in Afghanistan through education.Thank you so much for all you do, friends, and for your decision to become a partner for peace.

Links:

• AAE's website

Afghanistan is still a dangerous place for many women. Thankfully, your support for their eductation gives women the chance to restart their lives and work for a better future. Some of our students live in safe-houses because they cannot return home. One of AAE's students, who must remain anonymous for her safety, would like to share her journey with you.

 "I was thirteen when I was engaged to a man who never came to see me. One day, his family came to tell my family that my fiance is in Guantanamo Bay prison and they have come to get me.  I escaped and went to the Women's Ministry. There, they sent me to this safe-house and that was 6 years ago. Those same people went for my 9 year old sister and they took her. My family is upset with me and I have had no contact with them for the past 6 years. I am studying hard and going to English class after school."

Can you imagine being engaged at just 13 years old and being kidnapped by the family of your fiance, who was incarcerated in one of the most high security prisons in the world? While this is just one student's story, it is not unique to her. Many of our students come from similar backgrounds-- either they were married young or had to flee Afghanistan during the war.

Luckily, these stories can have happy endings. Our students work incredibly hard every day to earn their education, which is funded by generous partners for peace like you. With an education, women can break through the barriers that have been set up to hold them back. By becoming a partner for peace, you have already changed thousands of women's lives forever, but they need you now more than ever.