DSI-6803-9742-6460-6

SHABANA NA AHMADI

BIOGRAPHY

 

 

 

Dear Sir or Madam,

My name is Shabana, and I am one of many Afghan girls who, despite countless economic and social challenges, has never stopped striving to achieve her dreams. I previously graduated from a two-year midwifery program, but due to the severe restrictions imposed on women, I was not able to pursue higher education. Today, with deep motivation and sincere passion, I am applying for the Slovak Republic Government Scholarship to study Computer Science.

I have never had a real opportunity to continue my higher education—initially due to financial hardships my family faced even before the political upheaval in Afghanistan, and now especially due to the harsh limitations placed on women and girls by the current regime. As an Afghan girl, I have grown up in a reality where education is not a right, but a privilege denied to many of us.

My life’s journey has never been easy. Instead of continuing my studies, I had to enter the workforce to support myself and my family. I have worked with several international organizations operating in Afghanistan to help cover basic living expenses. These experiences not only strengthened my professional skills but also deepened my desire to pursue education and personal growth. Fortunately, these opportunities helped me maintain my confidence and realize the true value of knowledge.

Although I completed a two-year midwifery program, life circumstances prevented me from continuing my education. Still, my passion for learning has never faded. More than ever, I now dream of studying in a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment where I can pursue my academic goals.

Currently, I live under very difficult conditions. I have no financial support, yet I do everything I can to meet my basic needs. Alongside this, I carry the heavy—but honorable—responsibility of supporting my older sister, who is the only close family member I have. She has big dreams, and for me, her success is just as important as my own—perhaps even more. I am not only her sister, but also her supporter, inspiration, and emotional anchor.

My sister was once very passionate about continuing her education, but due to intense social and psychological pressures from her surroundings, she was forced to put her studies on hold. Just as she decided to start over, the political changes occurred, leading to a deep sense of hopelessness. This situation affected her mental well-being greatly, but I still hold hope that we can support her educational journey in the future.

Sadly, there are no real educational opportunities left for girls like us in Afghanistan—except for a few limited online options, which are also difficult to access. Yet, even in the darkest of days, I refuse to give up. For me, education is not just a dream—it is the only path to reclaiming control over my life, supporting my sister, and helping others in similar situations in the future.

Every day, I do everything in my power to create a space where my sister can study safely and build a future she deserves. At times, I sacrifice my own needs so she can afford a book or the materials she needs. If I am granted the opportunity to study through this scholarship, it will not only open a door for me, but also serve as an example for her—that no situation can stop us from reaching our goals.

Thank you for considering my application. I hope this scholarship becomes a stepping stone for growth, service, and becoming the voice of thousands of Afghan girls who continue to dream behind closed doors—and for me and my sister, a bridge toward a light we have been deprived of for far too long.

Sincerely,

Shabana

Last modified on Apr 24, 2025, 16:14:28 UTC