The Power of Dreams: How Education and Art Empower Afghan Girls

As a female student and artist who grew up in Afghanistan, I have faced many challenges. But these challenges never became a reason to give up. Instead, they pushed me to find opportunities, even in the hardest situations.

In 2022, the Kaj Educational Center in Afghanistan was bombed. Among those killed was a young girl who dreamed big, but her life was cut short in that terrible explosion. When I painted Omulbanin: The Girl Who Dreamed of Harvard, I wanted to tell a story, not only hers but mine too. Omulbanin represents hope and courage. She shows what it means to dream, even when the world makes it hard to believe in a better future.

In the painting, Omulbanin is surrounded by Harvard and Kaj, two educational places. One was where she dreamed of going, and the other was where she took her last breath.

I grew up in Kabul, Afghanistan, as part of the Hazara community, where girls often face many barriers to education. Even with those struggles, I dreamed of studying at great schools and building a life full of opportunity. That dream brought me to Blair Academy in the United States on a full scholarship—a step toward turning those dreams into reality.

For me, Harvard is more than just a famous school; it is a symbol of what is possible when you work hard and refuse to give up. I hope my story shows other Afghan girls that their dreams matter too, no matter how big they are.

Through EmpowerHer, I teach art to Afghan girls and encourage them to share their feelings and stories. To me, art is more than creativity, it is a way to heal, to feel strong, and to imagine a brighter future.

Omulbanin is every Afghan girl with a dream. She is me. She is all of us. My goal is to help every girl believe she has the power to change her life through education and hope.