A beacon of strength

To satisfy the entry requirements for Kabul University, Islamic studies are also included in the lesson plan of the school; but far from preaching jihad and proffering fundamentalist indoctrination, religious instruction reinforces the principles of tolerance and non-violence.

The funding of Naseema Shaheed High School and RAWA's other social activities relies entirely on the efforts of RAWA supporters around the world. SAWA-Australia, the Australia-based Support Association for the Women of Afghanistan, has pledged to raise sufficient funds to cover the entire school budget. The success of SAWA's fundraising efforts will determine whether Saforaia will be a village doctor one day or spend her life locked away in a house, depressed by the memories of an education she could not complete.

To keep Naseema Shaheed High School operational, SAWA has to cover the salary of its 28 teachers and general staff, the cost of textbooks and stationery for 367 students and the purchase of materials for the physics and chemistry labs. This is a challenge for an organisation that was established only two years ago, and SAWA is proud to have reached that target for 2006 so far. As a school that is fully supported by donations from Australians, Naseema Shaheed High School is today not only a beacon of pride for Afghan women but also a witness to the generosity and compassion of Australians. School principal and physics teacher Sayed Arif explains:

We had big financial problems in the past three years, which badly affected our plans and standards. In order to effectively utilise the little budget we were receiving, we reduced our staff members, and some experienced teacher left the school. Our Physics and Chemistry labs were in a very bad condition because we didn't buy any equipment or medical for the labs in the past few years. Teachers were complaining that they couldn't perform the practicals. Now we have got hold of the many issues. With the donation from SAWA and extra money from RAWA, we could manage to minimise our problems to a very low level. We have now a full strength of staff members and reshape our laboratories to a good standard.

If sufficient Australians pledge regular donations the future of Naseema Shaheed High School can be secured and Saforaia can complete her secondary education and move on to university.

Note: Names have been changed to protect teachers and students.