Sadia ’ s Story
“ I am paid $ 100 per month and spend some on my family and save some money to start my master ’ s degree when I have saved enough .”
Sadia Sahar , 24 , lives with her large family in the Khash District in Badakhshan . Her parents are farmers . While Sadia was lucky to attain a bachelor ’ s level education , she worried about her ability to work , especially under Taliban rule .
“ We are a family of ten and I am the eldest . I completed my studies , but previously had no opportunity to find a job in our area to help support my family . Of course , the income from farming is insufficient for our needs .”
She graduated with a degree in Chemistry from Badakhshan University in 2019 but felt devastated when , after two years , she could not find a job .
Following the Taliban takeover in August 2021 , the environment for women completely changed in Afghanistan . Sadia remembers feeling utter distress . But , like so many other women in Afghanistan , she had no choice but to keep striving towards her goals .
“ I was disappointed but kept busy helping my mother with household chores , farm work , and livestock .”
When she learned of the opportunity to work as a teacher at a community-based school established by CAI , she jumped on it .
In addition to earning an income , she feels her social status has been enhanced , and the trainings have improved her qualifications academically . She has received training in pedagogy , psychology , teaching methodology , and child protection measures .
Now Sadia has a clear vision for her future ; she is helping to support her family and saving money to pursue her Master ’ s Degree . Sadia is not giving up on her future , and neither is Central Asia Institute .