In Mazar-e-Sharif, a young girl with a physical disability in her legs has established an educational center that provides free training in tailoring, literacy, and cooking for dozens of girls. This initiative has become an opportunity for many of the center’s students to learn skills and achieve financial independence.
Freshta Mahmoodi, a 24-year-old computer science student, is among those who, despite numerous challenges, strives to play an effective role in the lives of others. She says she has used every opportunity for growth.
“We have tried to make use of every opportunity for personal and social development. Although I have faced many problems, I have turned each obstacle into motivation to become stronger,” she says.
She adds that her main goal is to help girls who are deprived of educational and employment opportunities. She explains,
“When I saw that women lacked job opportunities, I decided, within my capacity, to provide training in tailoring, cooking, literacy, and foreign languages so that girls could learn skills and stand on their own feet.”
However, her path has not been without difficulties. She identifies the shortage of resources and economic hardship as the main challenges in her work.
“The shortage of facilities, economic problems, lack of internet access, and the absence of a suitable location are major challenges for us, as not everything can be taught online,” she adds.
Freshta believes that disability has never been an obstacle to her progress. She says, “Disability is not a limitation. My physical disability has never prevented my success, because I believe that real limitations exist in the human mind, and with determination, one can continue their path.”
Students at this educational center also speak about the impact of these trainings on their lives. Sona Sahar, a 23-year-old from Jawzjan, says these programs have created new opportunities for her, and she has been learning tailoring at the center for five months.
“I have been learning tailoring for five months, and I am very happy. We are not only learning a profession; we can become independent through this skill and earn an income. This institution is not just an educational center but a pathway that enables girls to act independently and believe in their abilities,” she says.
Farzana, another 20-year-old student from Mazar-i-Sharif, who has learned practical tailoring skills. She explains,
“During this period, we have learned tailoring, garment cutting, the usage of sewing machines, and clothing design, and now we can earn an income through these skills. Receiving free education has increased our motivation and encouraged us to continue with enthusiasm.”
In addition to the students, instructors at this center also strive to share their skills with others. Safia Habibi, who voluntarily teaches tailoring, says,
“My goal is for others to benefit from my skills and knowledge and to serve society. Tailoring is one of those professions where, with minimal capital, one can establish a source of income, and fortunately many students have been able to achieve self-sufficiency.”
According to her, hundreds of students have received practical training at the center. She says,
“I have around four hundred students whose lessons were delivered practically through video submissions. Fortunately, many of them have been able to generate income through these skills and move toward self-sufficiency.”
Amid all these challenges, initiatives such as that of Freshta Mahmoodi demonstrate that determination, skills, and a sense of social responsibility can create new opportunities for women—opportunities that lead not only to learning but also to financial independence and hope for the future.
Reporter: Liza Omari
