A few years ago, we told you about Z. Here is what we said:
Z. is 17 years old. She is smart, with a vibrant hungry mind. She was among the top students in her class. However, not long after the Taliban returned to power in August 2021, school doors across the country were shut to girls beyond 6th grade. Z. then found herself among the millions of women and girls barred from school based on their gender. Despite this devastating blow, Z.’s dream is still to go to college… and we are trying to help her realize that dream.
Last spring, Z. received a competitive scholarship to study at a high school in Canada. This is a letter from Z. with only minor edits describing her time at Pax Populi Academy:
It is Z. I have been a student at Pax Populi Academy since late 2022. If I say just one word about Pax Populi, it would be life-changing. Since I became a student there, I have improved a lot. Not just academically but mentally as well. During the ongoing chaos in Afghanistan, I felt very calm and peaceful since I joined this Academy. I got the great opportunity to be in a school again when Pax Populi launched their school in 2023. Despite the fact that we could not see each other in person, I always felt fully supported by my incredible teachers and friends. I got the pleasure to be a math teacher for one and a half years in this Academy as well as being a student. Entering each class, whether it was my own class or others’, I felt like I entered a room full of my loved ones. Whether you were a teacher or a student in this Academy, everyone treated each other like siblings. The curriculum at Pax Populi Academy is based on international standards. I had great teachers who made the lessons very easy for me. Every student takes social studies, math, English, and science classes. There are different clubs available as well.
What I really loved about this Academy was that everyone is always there for each other despite their own problems. During this stressful time in Afghanistan, they uplift each other with every tiny strength remaining in their blood. I remember whenever I felt down, it was enough to text someone in Pax Populi, and that was all. When I was absent, my peers would text me to see if there was any problem with me. These actions mean a lot for us because we are going through a lot. At Pax Populi Academy, I only saw strength and power. Power to be patient, hopeful, helpful, and most of all power to keep working hard.
As a member of Pax Populi, I learned all these values. I got a full scholarship to study in Canada and currently live there. All the values I learned at Pax Populi Academy led me to where I am now. Working hard and staying hopeful at the same time, my efforts worked out. I am thankful to Pax Populi for all the values they taught me as well their existence in every down time I faced. I would have given up multiple times by now if they were not there for me. The school was a hope for me like a candle in the darkness. Additionally, because I got familiar with the international curriculum through Pax Populi Academy, I feel less pressure at my school in Canada. I feel very confident attending my classes, especially math, because Pax Populi provided a similar high quality education for me. Words can’t express how grateful I am for being a part of such an empowering Academy. I look forward to being a source of help for my peers back home through volunteering in this wonderful Academy. I would like to thank the director of this Academy Mr. McNulty and my lovely teacher Ms. Lara Chuppe for their great support for Afghan girls in every up and down situation in Afghanistan.
With Love,
Z.
Z. is excelling academically at her school in Canada, and we are thrilled to see her thriving as we know she would.
Our school’s associate director, Lara, recently traveled to Canada to meet Z. in person.
Please support and share about our work, so we can continue helping girls like Z. soar!
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