So let us move beyond having women as mere listeners and passive participants in
decision-making circles. Let's listen to them not for the sake of fulfilling the quotas but
because it is the right and smart thing to do.
— Shabana Basij- Rasikh, SOLA Co-Founder
decision-making circles. Let's listen to them not for the sake of fulfilling the quotas but
because it is the right and smart thing to do.
— Shabana Basij- Rasikh, SOLA Co-Founder
A Continuum
SOLA is a small, highly selective organization founded in October 2008 to expand educational and leadership opportunities for the new generation of Afghan women. SOLA evolved from a publicly funded, one-year high school cultural exchange program which— unfortunately, but predictably—failed to induce many of its participants to return.
SOLA provides exceptional opportunities for students at its boarding house in Kabul. Those selected for SOLA's international scholarship track receive support to prepare themselves for study at competitive schools abroad, from boarding schools to colleges/universities, and grad schools. SOLA has facilitated enrolment at schools such as Asian University for Women, Bates, King's Academy Jordan, Middlebury, Mt. Holyoke, Smith, Tufts, Williams, and Yale.
SOLA then helps returning graduates secure significant public and private sector opportunities in Afghanistan on an equal footing with men. This combination is expected to translate into compensation at levels comparable to “good” American incomes without the add-ons that more than double the cost of the expatriates these Afghans will replace.
SOLA is working to create the future of Afghanistan, empowering leaders
who will be:
• the hope for an educated, progressive and prosperous future
• imbued with a sense of service and commitment to their people
• returning home to prosper, in both private and public sectors
SOLA provides exceptional opportunities for students at its boarding house in Kabul. Those selected for SOLA's international scholarship track receive support to prepare themselves for study at competitive schools abroad, from boarding schools to colleges/universities, and grad schools. SOLA has facilitated enrolment at schools such as Asian University for Women, Bates, King's Academy Jordan, Middlebury, Mt. Holyoke, Smith, Tufts, Williams, and Yale.
SOLA then helps returning graduates secure significant public and private sector opportunities in Afghanistan on an equal footing with men. This combination is expected to translate into compensation at levels comparable to “good” American incomes without the add-ons that more than double the cost of the expatriates these Afghans will replace.
SOLA is working to create the future of Afghanistan, empowering leaders
who will be:
• the hope for an educated, progressive and prosperous future
• imbued with a sense of service and commitment to their people
• returning home to prosper, in both private and public sectors
