Help Zahra Attend Suffolk University

I am Zahra Wafi, I am a young female student. I was born in Wardak province and raised in Kabul, Afghanistan. I graduated from Marefat high school in 2017/18, but I never could join colleges because of the Taliban’s threats to educational centers, and an attack on the American University of Afghanistan(AUAF). 50 murdered students tensioned my father and resultantly, he prohibited me from attending university. NOW after four years of waiting, I got admitted to the Suffolk University of Boston this fall. I am so excited to pursue my higher education at such an ideal university. I was awarded a merit scholarship from Suffolk to help fund my education($23,000). However, I still have considerable expenses to meet. My goal is to raise($50,000) by 1st June 2023. This will cover the remaining amount of tuition, room and board for the 2023/24 academic year. The full tuition cost of Suffolk University is ($44,800). Your donation, no matter how small, will get me one step closer to my dreams.

I am a social activist, feminist, artist(makeup artist and hair stylist), student leader, and teacher. As an Afghan girl, I have always struggled with my education. I want to live and study in a safe and peaceful place far away from prejudice and discrimination. My goal is to major in computer science and eventually return to Afghanistan, and play an essential role in improving Afghanistan's education system. I think Suffolk University is the ideal school where I am looking for me.

After I graduate from school, I knew that if I did not continue my studies, after some time, I would have to marry someone I never met, so I started to self-study English at home besides doing the household work. After the Taliban's dominance, if I had the chance to further my education, the Taliban killed the chance. I was tired of discrimination and never wanted my two little sisters to remain uneducated even if the Taliban prohibited them, so I started to teach them at home. Eventually, my students at home reached 30 girls and I was teaching them English, Math and basic science in secret. I am a member of the BaleParvaaz organization. This organization works to support and help Hazara girls in Afghanistan learn English and study abroad. I got second position in a makeup and hairstyle competition. I have written a novel since my graduation by the name of( Yasmin). I have been a part of women’s rights programs such as video conferences, debates and protests.

My family is supporting me and my dreams. My father worked hard to bring me where I stand now. He did labor work to pay me and my siblings' school tuition fees(I have two sisters and one brother). By pursuing my education at Suffolk University, their dreams are coming true too.

Thank you for helping and supporting me fund my first year at Suffolk. I am so thrilled to further my education in this amazing place and start my career as a computer programmer. Ultimately, I am going to help and support other girls in my country by teaching them and providing them with a more systematic education.