"This Should Have Been the Moment When My Dream Moved Forward"

Hi, my name is Mariam*, and I am from Afghanistan. For as long as I can remember, I have dreamed of helping my people. I have always been passionate about politics, leadership, and pursuing real solutions to improve people’s lives. My goal is to build schools, create opportunities, and, one day, use my education to serve my community and my country.

However, when secondary and postsecondary girls’ education was banned in 2022 by the new Afghan government, my path was suddenly blocked. Everything I had envisioned for my future was taken away. Still, I refused to give up. If the doors closed before me, I searched for windows. If the windows closed, I created my own path.

I started from nothing—without a proper phone, Wi-Fi, or computer. But I knew education was essential to change my future, so I turned to online learning. Using my family's phone I worked online jobs, taught English, and studied simultaneously. Gradually, I saved enough to buy my own used phone, then Wi-Fi service for our home, and eventually a computer. Every small step was a victory I earned through determination.

Throughout all of this, I continued studying and, through determination and hard work, I earned a full scholarship to a U.S. online high school, graduating in June of 2024. Then, something incredible happened: I got accepted to universities in the United States, including Kent State University and Loyola University in Chicago.

But before I could attend, I was once again blocked when Afghans were banned from entering the U.S. Next I applied to universities in Europe, and once again I was accepted. This should have been the moment when my dream moved forward.

But there is one barrier left: Funding.

Even studying in Europe costs more than I can manage: Combined tuition, accommodation, and living expenses range from €10,000 to €25,000 per year. For someone who built everything from nothing, this amount is simply unattainable. I have fought alone until now—through restrictions, financial challenges, and the fear of losing my future. I worked, studied, and lifted myself step by step. But this next step is too big to take without help.

So today, with hope and humility, I extend my hand to you.

Please be the hand that reaches back. Be the support that helps me pursue higher education so I can one day return and help rebuild the country I love. Your kindness will not only change my life, but also empower every dream I carry for my community.

Thank you for helping me take the step I cannot take alone.

*Note: I chose Mariam as a pseudonym because I live in Afghanistan, and revealing my identity could put me and my family at risk.

This campaign is sponsored by The Article 26 Foundation and Daanish. All funds will go directly to pay Mariam's tuition and other educational expenses. We take no overhead or administrative fees.

Article 26 Foundation is a US based 501c3 nonprofit empowering Afghan women by breaking down barriers to education. We believe in the power of education to assist women in realizing their right to self-determination and creating a more just and equitable world.

Daanish is a charitable initiative based in the UK, committed to supporting Afghan women inside Afghanistan, Iran and Pakistan, to overcome barriers to education.

Help Mariam Get to University

Change Begins One Young Woman at a Time