In southern Afghanistan, 11-year-old Sara* dreams of becoming a doctor. In her remote village, where educational infrastructure has been minimal, her aspirations were once overshadowed by the many obstacles she faced. For girls especially, pursuing an education in Sara’s village has been an uphill battle. With classes held under the open sky, students had little protection from harsh weather, leading to high absenteeism—only about 170 students attended regularly out of 400 enrolled.

In a community without female doctors or graduates, Sara’s dream of one day helping her village as a doctor seemed almost impossible.

That changed when Save the Children intervened. We spearheaded a transformative project, rebuilding the school and equipping it with essential facilities. Now, with new classrooms, resources, and a supportive learning environment, the school is thriving, with over 413 enthusiastic students attending each day.

“I am in year five and rank 5^th in my class,” Sara* shares, her voice filled with pride. “My favourite subjects are Dari and Pashto, and I also enjoy studying the Quran Karim.”

“We had no classrooms, windows, doors, chairs, desks, books, or notebooks,” she recalls. “But everything has changed since Save the Children helped rebuild it. The school is beautifully painted; we have chairs, desks, doors, a gate, and ceilings in our classrooms. I am very happy now.”

Teachers, too, have seen the profound impact of these changes. Ali*, a teacher, reflects on the challenges of the past: “We had many absentees because we lacked proper facilities. Students didn’t want to come because of the cold, wind, dust, and heat, which often made them sick. I remember hanging class schedules on the board, but the wind would often blow them away.”

Now, he says, the shift is remarkable: “Previously, I had around 150 students present, but now more than 350 attend class. Their excitement and eagerness to learn are palpable. They come to school enthusiastically and are truly engaged in their lessons.

During break times, Sara* and her classmates enjoy playing in the schoolyard, often running and catching each other or discussing their lessons. Yet they still long for more play equipment—jump ropes, balls, and swings—to make their playtime even more enjoyable.

“I hope to complete my studies, graduate, and achieve my dreams. This is my biggest wish,” Sara* says, her eyes shining with hope for a brighter future.