Empower an Afghan Girl to Find Her Voice

Dear Friends and Supporters,

We are delighted to share new progress from Sahar Education’s Secret Scholars Online program, made possible through your generosity. As we approach the final quarter of our program year, your support continues to transform opportunities for Afghan girls and young women who are determined to keep learning despite immense barriers.

Over 400 Students Actively Enrolled

The Secret Scholars Online program has now reached more than 400 students, all participating in secure, virtual classes despite the restrictive environment that prevents Afghan girls from accessing formal secondary or university education.

Students are engaging in English and Math courses, skills that open pathways to future academic and professional opportunities.

With three months remaining in this year-long program cycle, we are thrilled to report consistent participation and growing confidence among learners.

Preparing for the Future: TOEFL Prep Has Begun

One of our most exciting updates is that the cohort 
of students preparing for the TOEFL has now been selected.

These students have officially begun live TOEFL preparation classes, meeting with qualified instructors who guide them through reading, listening, speaking, and writing practice. This is a milestone: strong TOEFL scores can unlock university scholarships, online degree programs, and international educational opportunities, often the first step toward long-term empowerment and independence.

We are already seeing students’ motivation increase as they recognize the possibility of continuing their education at a global level.

Sustaining the Program Into 2026

Thanks to the enthusiasm of our students and the continued demand for safe, high-quality online education for Afghan girls, Sahar Education plans to renew the Secret Scholars Online program in 2026.

Renewal will allow us to:

• Enroll new students on the program’s waiting list

• Continue providing safe, trauma-informed instruction

Your ongoing support makes it possible for Afghan girls to stay engaged in learning and to imagine a future filled with choice, opportunity, and hope.

Every class attended, every module completed, every TOEFL practice session completed is a direct result of your generosity. Thank you for standing with Afghan girls during a time when their access to education is more restricted than ever.

We look forward to sharing more updates as we approach the program’s conclusion and as we prepare for the next year of impact in 2026.

With gratitude,
The Sahar Education Team

Links:

• The Women-Led Nonprofit Defying Educational Bans for Girls...

More than 300 young Afghan women are now enrolled in the Secret Scholars Online program—a powerful testament to the desire to learn, even under the most difficult circumstances. In a country where education for girls is banned beyond the sixth grade, this program is a lifeline.

These students come from across Afghanistan, logging in quietly and courageously from their homes. Through a partnership with Learning Upgrade, they study English, math, and critical life skills on a mobile-friendly platform. To ensure no girl is left behind, Sahar provides internet support so students can continue their studies uninterrupted.

They are not alone in this journey. Three Afghan women educators, themselves a symbol of resilience and leadership, run virtual classrooms through Google Classroom. They provide lessons, answer questions, offer encouragement, and build a sense of community among students who are often isolated in their homes.

Together, they are building a movement—one girl, one lesson, one connection at a time. Education is happening in secret, but the impact is undeniable.

Thank you for helping make this possible. Your support allows these girls not only to keep learning, but to keep dreaming.

Links:

• Secret Scholars Online Video