Our New Program
The needs of Afghan girls remain urgent and complex. Our research and consultations have shown that access to education alone is not enough. Girls need pathways that lead somewhere. They need systems that turn learning into real outcomes, whether that is employment, further studies, or greater confidence and independence at home. Many girls shared that they lack safe support systems throughout their educational journeys, and families often need to see a clear purpose behind continued learning.
These insights reaffirmed that our new program must go beyond providing classes. We need to support girls in transforming learning into opportunity and opening new possibilities for their futures.
Beginning in Spring 2026, we are piloting three interconnected online program areas:
- Secondary education for girls
- Preparation for entrepreneurship and employment
- English language classes
Participants across all program areas will also receive personalized, long-term mentorship, ensuring that each girl has a trusted human being accompanying her throughout her education journey. Our book club, Parkhan, will also continue this year along with the new programming.
Each program is intentionally designed to meet girls at different stages of learning. Some participants will be well placed to pursue structured academic study through the secondary education program, which will prepare girls to enroll in university, likely abroad. For others, developing income-generating skills through entrepreneurship and employment training will be the best fit. Across all pathways, personalized guidance will help girls navigate decisions safely and confidently.
This year will be a pilot phase, allowing us to test approaches, learn alongside participants, and adapt based on data and feedback. We are excited about this next chapter and hopeful that this program will move us closer to fulfilling our promise to Afghan girls.
Parkhan
Parkhan is our book club program for Afghan girls, bringing together small groups in structured book clubs supported by trained facilitators, guided discussions, and carefully selected reading materials. The program is designed to go beyond reading alone, creating space for confidence, leadership, and shared learning to develop over time.
The name Parkhan comes from the combination of the Persian words “fly” and “read,” which symbolize freedom, growth, and the ascent of the mind through reading. We hope every girl who joins the program experiences this meaning in her own way.
Since its launch in 2025, Parkhan has been running online and has seen strong participation from Afghan girls. Looking ahead, our goal for 2026 is to grow the program from two book clubs to forty-five clubs, reaching up to 450 girls. With your support, we can continue building and expanding these learning spaces in the months ahead.
Stay connected with our work and receive updates about our new programming.
