My name is F. Wafayi, and I’m a 16-year-old high school student with a deep passion for technology, particularly data science and cybersecurity. After the Taliban came to power in August 2021 and banned the girls from pursuing higher education beyond the sixth grade, I had just finished my ninth grade. It felt like the doors were closed on my dreams. However, instead of giving up, I became more determined to continue my education. I believe in every challenge and barrier, there is an opportunity, and I started self-studying with a high passion by attending many different virtual courses and programs. I have always been hard working, determined, and put significant effort into my studies. I was honored to receive the Global STEM Accelerators scholarship program for girls, a collaborative initiative between AFS and the University of Pennsylvania, where I participated in a global online initiative focused on STEM education, empowering young leaders to innovate and solve real-world challenges through collaborative projects, workshops, and hands-on activities. Additionally, I advocate for innovative educational practices as a Global Youth Ambassador for HundredED. 

Education has always been my priority. I believe that every girl deserves the chance to learn and grow. This belief inspired me to volunteer with various organizations focused on empowering young women in Afghanistan through online education. I collaborated as the Executive Manager for Girls on the Path of Change Organization (GPC) to create projects that help girls access education and advocate; fortunately, by the end of 2023, I was proud to receive the Activist Member award from GPC. Also, it was really hard to see girls denied their basic human right to education. I believed that girls can change the world, and I knew I had to do something. Then I decided to join the Center of Business Administration (CBA) and the Afghan Education Student Outreach Project (AESOP) to help the Afghan girls to still have a chance to learn English through online education, as it was the best way I could support them at that time. During this time, I gained a lot of valuable experiences. I collaborate with the Network of Sustainable Development and Education (NSDE) to share what I learned and help create a better online space for girls to learn English.