Defy the Taliban, Coding Classes for Afghan Girls

As of May, the 120 students in Sahar’s Underground TechSheroes program have officially reached the 6-month milestone—and their progress is nothing short of inspiring. These courageous young women, learning in secret community-run centers, have been building skills in web design, digital literacy, and women's empowerment against all odds.

• Every student successfully completed the CSS module and passed their final exams with excellent scores. From animations and responsive layouts to form styling and grid systems, their growing skill sets are now opening doors to freelance work, future employment, and even teaching opportunities. Students have already begun learning Bootstrap, applying pre-built design systems to streamline their development work.
  
  
• Meanwhile, the Women’s Empowerment classes continued to foster emotional resilience, self-awareness, and personal growth. Through guided discussions on self-doubt, anxiety, relationships, and failure, students gained the tools to navigate challenges in both their personal and professional lives.

As Setayesh shared,  “To be honest, this course didn’t just save me from spending all my time at home and struggling with depression—it became a bridge toward success and a bright future.”

Hayda echoed this transformation, saying, “Since I began these trainings, I’ve learned so many things. My biggest dream is to earn money through my skills, support my parents, and build a better life.”

Now halfway through the program, these students are not only gaining knowledge—they are building confidence, courage, and community.

Every lesson learned, every skill gained, and every story of resilience in the Underground TechSheroes program is made possible by you.

In Afghanistan, where girls are barred from formal education above 6th grade, your support ensures that these young women continue to learn safely in community-led spaces. You help fund everything from computer labs and electricity to training materials and dedicated instructors. Just as importantly, you help create environments where young women feel seen, supported, and empowered to imagine a future beyond limitation.

Your generosity doesn't just provide education—it restores hope, agency, and dignity. For students like Najla, who always dreamed of learning about computers, this program has made that dream a reality. For others like Setayesh, it has been a lifeline during a time of isolation and uncertainty.

When you give, you’re not just supporting a program—you’re helping shape a generation of leaders, innovators, and changemakers.

Thank you for being part of their journey.

Links:

• Enter the Sahar-e-Adab Literary and Art Contest