In Afghanistan, where opportunities for women and girls are often scarce, Morsal Deldar dared to dream. With a vision to create a safe haven for learning, she set out to build a school that would not only provide quality education but also serve as a beacon of hope in a country where female empowerment is a daily struggle.
After six years of perseverance, Morsal’s dream came to life with the opening of Ganjeena-e-Benyamin school in Kabul, Afghanistan’s capital. Today, it stands not just as an educational institution, but as a symbol of resilience, inspiring thousands of Afghan girls to believe in their potential and reach for their dreams.
At 32 years old, Morsal proves every day that nothing can stop her big dreams. She completed her studies in Economics at a private university and, driven by determination, chose to take a different path—one that not only created growth opportunities for her but also provided a learning environment for thousands of students.
Morsal explains, “I initially established it as a secondary school, and after one year, I was able to elevate it to a high school. Having a school was one of my childhood dreams.”
Starting with 260 students, Morsal now oversees 500 students at her school. Her journey has been fraught with challenges, ranging from economic difficulties to cultural discrimination, but she has never given up, believing that education can change lives.
She adds, “I faced many challenges along the way, including the regime change, which caused a significant decrease in the number of students. But I continued to pursue my goal and kept the school running despite the difficulties. Economic challenges, lack of support from certain organizations—especially the government—cultural barriers, and discrimination were some of the obstacles I faced.”
Morsal emphasizes that this path would not have been possible without the support of her family and husband, who played a crucial role in her mission. “My husband was always there to back me up in building the school, encouraging me at every step. My family—my parents, brothers, and sisters—also supported me throughout this journey. I started with my own personal resources.”
Looking ahead, Morsal has bigger plans. She aims to enhance the quality of education, add more up-to-date subjects to the curriculum, and continue creating a safe, independent space for students.
Additionally, she plans to open a women’s café near her school to support and provide job empowerment opportunities for women.
“My future plans focus on improving education quality,” Morsal says. “I want to provide opportunities for students to specialize in areas they are passionate about, and help them gain practical skills alongside their academic subjects. I hope to elevate the school from a high school to an institute and university, and open a café for women who haven’t had the chance to pursue education, offering them a chance to start their careers.”
Jamaluddin Sulaimani, an education expert, underscores the importance of women’s involvement in education, saying, “Women’s participation in various sectors, especially in education, is critical. Investing in women in this field can positively impact the improvement of education. Government support in this area can provide more opportunities for women to grow in the education sector. I hope that the Islamic Emirate will create circumstances for more women to invest in this field.”
Despite the restrictions placed on women’s work after the regime change in Afghanistan, and the fact that girls above the sixth grade are no longer allowed to attend school and university, Morsal Deldar remains an inspiring role model for Afghan women. She has proven that with determination and hard work, challenges can be overcome, and significant steps can be taken towards societal change.
