Innovative Initiative by University of Louisville Students to Educate Afghan Girls
Following the widespread restrictions imposed by the Taliban on girls’ education in Afghanistan, a group of students from the University of Louisville in Kentucky, USA, have launched online courses for Afghan girls.
Divya Naidugari, a senior biology student at the university, has founded a group called “University Students for Afghan Education and Development” (USAED) with the goal of providing educational opportunities for girls in Afghanistan.
Divya, the first member of her immigrant family to attend university, said: “I highly value education and access to learning opportunities. Girls in Afghanistan do not have access to higher education and university courses. So here we step in; wherever they are, we meet them there and start working.”
She emphasizes that student safety is the top priority of the program: “Before the classes begin, we explain to them how the educational process will work, introduce mental health resources, and provide guidance if problems arise.”
According to Naidugari, more than 120 volunteers have expressed interest in teaching or participating in the group’s educational activities. The courses include online teaching, academic counseling, and remote group study sessions. Classes are held in English, and translated versions in Dari are also provided to the students.
She expressed hope that by continuing this path, they can provide more educational opportunities for Afghan girls and keep this initiative alive.
