I found it really tough to watch my classmates back home struggle to realize their aspirations as an eighteen-year-old Tajik girl who is lucky to study in an IB school and pursue a high-quality education. I was fortunate to be given the chance to go abroad at such a young age. I am aware, though, that for many people around the world, this may not be the case. I am accountable for acting as a catalyst for good change as a change-maker and engaged community member.
Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan recently engaged in combat on their respective borders. After two days of border fighting, the parties were able to reach a cease-fire on the night of September 16, 2022, but it only lasted for approximately a day. Iran and Afghanistan are experiencing extremely difficult times. Children and women in Afghanistan and Iran struggle every day to make ends meet while having their fundamental civil rights violated. I feel the impulse to do something significant that will at least benefit one person. Last year, my project team, UWC for Afghanistan, conducted an interview with Ata, a former UWC Afghan student. I was driven to take significant action for the Tajik people after learning about his struggle to open a school in Afghanistan. One of the few dedicated individuals fighting to ensure equitable opportunity for all of Afghanistan is Ata.
I felt even more inspired to launch my own education project in Tajikistan after joining YYGS and getting to know so many talented people. YYGS were therefore a crucial component of my summer. It was not only instructive but also, in a way, empowering. I’m motivated to keep growing as a person and support the aspirations of young Tajik students.