More than 40 years of conflict, political upheaval, and poverty have left Afghanistan struggling with hardship and loss. Generations have grown up amid uncertainty—many schools have been damaged or destroyed; many teachers forced to flee. Millions of children have been deprived of education, especially girls who are not allowed to study over the age of 12.
This means approximately 2.2 million girls barred from attending school beyond primary level.
Yet, a beacon of hope started glowing thanks to the Community-Based Education Classes (CBE) provided by Czech NGO People in Need (PIN), with funds from the European Union. Established in partnership with local partner SADA, these classes give out-of-school children a safe space to learn, grow, and dream.
In total, 150 classes support 5,250 children in provinces with limited access to education like Wardak and Samangan. Girls represent more than 70% of the supported children
Humaira’s dream
Humaira (21) teaches one of these classes in central Afghanistan, where she lives with her family of nine.
‘Education shapes who we are and how we see the world. Before, I thought our village was the centre of everything. But through learning, I realised it’s just a speck on the beautiful face of the world,’ says Humaira.
Humaira once dreamed of becoming a doctor. But after finishing school, she was banned from taking university entrance exams because of the ban on girls’ education. ‘Even so, I haven’t lost hope. I want my students to have the future I couldn’t. They’re just children—they deserve a chance to dream big,’ says Humaira.
In her classroom, the walls are filled with drawings and posters. The air is full of laughter. ‘This classroom is more than a place to study—it’s a safe space filled with joy. Children read, solve puzzles, play football, skip, and learn together, ’ she explains. ‘Most of my students are girls who never had this chance before. They talk about becoming doctors and teachers. I do my best to encourage them to believe in themselves.’
Healing and confidence through psychosocial support
Years of conflict have left deep emotional scars on Afghanistan’s youth. To help children heal and build confidence, PIN and SADA provided psychosocial support kits to all 150 CBE classes. ‘They use puzzles, emojis, art, football, jump rope, and storytelling to relax, make friends, and enjoy learning,’ explains Humaira.
Each kit includes storybooks, art supplies, toys, sports balls, and emotion cards—simple tools that help children express themselves and rediscover the joy of childhood.
Clean water and safe schools
Learning thrives where children feel safe and healthy. In many villages, children miss school because of unsafe water or poor hygiene facilities. To change that, PIN has also made hygiene a top priority and worked to improve access to clean water and sanitation.
‘Thanks to PIN, our class now has toilets, handwashing stations, soap, and clean drinking water,’ says Humaira. ‘Students wash their hands after using the toilet, before eating, and after playtime. Each student brings their own cup to stay healthy and prevent illness.’
Repair works included constructing or rehabilitating wells latrines, and solar-powered water systems.
‘We focused on what communities said mattered most,” says Zia ul Rahman, WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) engineer. ’Latrines were the top concern. Now teachers, students, and parents are relieved to have safe learning facilities.’
Community members also joined the work, earning short-term income while helping to make schools safer.
‘Before, the hand pump was dry, and students had no water. Now, we have clean water, toilets, and a healthier environment. Our children are happy, and so are we,’ says Mohammad Salim, a father from Bar Dadal.
‘This project also gave us a chance to earn income during the construction.’
Looking ahead
‘If children can continue studying up to grades 9 or 12, their future will be brighter and full of possibilities,’ says Humaira. ‘I hope their dreams are protected—and that one day, they can achieve everything they wish for.’
For children like Humaira’s students, these classrooms are safe havens—places where learning, hope, and dignity -, sometimes representing the only education opportunity in their lifetime.
