How We Work To Remove Barriers of Education – Volume 2, Episode 7: Razia’s Ray of Hope Foundation
A new episode of our monthly vlog series was just released! Take a moment to learn more about the impact Circle of Sisterhood has made in Afghanistan through the grants awarded to Razia’a Ray of Hope Foundation. From school supplies, vocational training, and teacher training, girls and women in Afghanistan have been empowered through education.
About Razia’s Ray of Hope Foundation
Razia’s Ray of Hope Foundation (RRHF) improves the lives of young women and girls in Afghanistan through community-based education. The organization was founded in 2008 with the belief that education is key to positive, peaceful change for current and future generations. RRHF opened an education center for 100 girls students – the first of its kind in the region. By 2016, the school was providing exceptional education for free to more than 600 girls in kindergarten through grade 12.
In 2016, the Circle of Sisterhood awarded RRHF a grant of $4,589. Which provided textbooks, desks, and chairs for teachers and students at the education center.
In 2018, RRHF received a second grant of $6,760, to support program and equipment/facility costs at the newly established Razia Jan Institute. A post-secondary vocational school offering tuition-free training in midwifery, technology, personal finance, and English. Students of this vocational school graduate in two years with much-needed skills and the ability to work as midwives who are esteemed community workers. These successful skilled women become vital role models of female empowerment.
In 2022, CofS awarded RRHF with a $10,000 grant to support costs associated with a new Teacher Training program at Razia Jan Institute (RJI) intended to educate approximately 20 young women per year to become certified K-12 teachers. The Afghan government’s requirement that K-12 girls be taught exclusively by female teachers created a shortage and an additional barrier to education for girls. Unfortunately, the Taliban suspended the program in 2022 with promises of reopening in 2023 which did not occur after the imposition of even harsher restrictions on women’s education. After discussions with RRHF leadership it was determined in February 2023 that the best use of CofS’ 2022 grant was to support the education of girls in grades K-6 who are still allowed to attend school. Therefore, our grant funds have been redirected to support teacher salaries at the Zabuli Education Center (ZEC).
Since its doors opened in 2008, ZEC has provided free, exemplary education to over 1,000 students along with uniforms, shoes, warm coats, healthy meals, school supplies, clean bathrooms, and safe transportation. Our first grant in support of RRHF in 2016 funded desks, chairs and classroom materials at ZEC. Supporting the essential work taking place at ZEC once again will help advance RRHF’s efforts to educate girls and transform lives in Afghanistan’s oppressive environment.
Other Organizations Making an Impact Through School Supplies/Infrastructure