AEA Stories & Impact

Meet 'F'

F’ had just finished her first year at university when the Taliban shut it down. She has been a regular student in our weekly English lessons, learning creative writing and self-expression. Her articles, written from the heart, reveal the raw emotion of a young woman surviving under the Taliban. Since joining the HOS she has published work in overseas online magazines.

I have been learning English with HOS for almost two years and I have a good relationship with the teachers (although I can't participate in the classes regularly due to internet problems).
The things I love about the classes are the textbooks and books that are available to us in PDF format. I really enjoy reading them.
The teachers have had a very positive impact on me in terms of spirit and encouragement. They have had a great impact on my success. I took the Duolingo English exam recently, which was paid for by one of the teachers.

Meet 'M'

‘M’ was 15 years old and had just finished grade 9 in middle school when the Taliban closed her school. She has been a student of the Herat Online School (HOS) since 2022, learning English weekly with a group of volunteer English teachers who come from every corner of the world.

She is now finishing her high school studies with an online university, and we continue to teach her English and support her every step of the way.

The resurgence of the Taliban brought fear and uncertainty, casting a shadow over my dreams. It felt like everything I had hoped for was slipping away, leaving me feeling lost and hopeless. The weight of this despair was suffocating, and it seemed impossible to find a way forward.
In the midst of my darkest moments, some of my friends introduced me to the Herat Online School. At first, I was thinking it wouldn't make a difference. I had even left the online group we had initially formed. But something inside me urged me to give it a chance.
To my surprise, the Herat Online School became a place of understanding and acceptance. Within its virtual walls, I found a community of like-minded individuals who shared similar experiences and struggles. It was a space where judgement was replaced with compassion and support. This newfound understanding lifted the weight off my shoulders and allowed me to breathe.
I discovered a wealth of knowledge and skills that empowered me to pursue my dreams despite the limitations imposed by the oppressive regime.
What made Herat Online School truly special for me was the happiness and inner peace I found within its digital walls. It provided a sanctuary where I could express myself freely, where my dreams were nurtured, and where I felt a sense of belonging. The bonds I formed with fellow students and teachers created a supportive network that brought joy into my life.
This School is my home and I am happy that I am studying here.