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KANDAHAR CITY (SW): Shamsia was a class nine student when unknown men riding a motorcycle threw acid on her face some ten years ago.
She overcame the pain and trauma, and went on not only to finish her studies, but to ultimately become a teacher for many more girls in the province. In conversation with Salam Watandar, Shamsia said she still remembers the tragic incident as if it was just yesterday.
Narrating her ordeal, Shamsia said she was on her way home together with her school mates and teachers when the men riding motorcycle crossed their path, and threw acid on the girls. Shamsia said many girls became victim of the attackers, but she suffered the most as fuming acid severely damaged her face and eyes.
On the directives of the former president Hamid Karzai, Shamsia was sent to India for treatment, and she returned to finish her studies at the faculty of science in the Kandahar Teachers Training center.
Now, she teaches at the girls’ high school in Mirwais Maina in Kandahar city. The defiant teacher said many promises were made to help and assist her, but not all were realized. Shamsia stressed she would like her ailing eyes to be treated abroad.
Noorya, head mistress of the girls’ high school in Mirwais Maina, hailed the services and commitment of Shmasia. She said the whole school is proud of her. Abdul Hanan Muneed, deputy governor of the province, said in this regard that the whole directorate of education in Kandahar hails Shamsia. He vowed the provincial government would bear all costs of treatment for this brave Kandahari girl.
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