I want to get an education and even though it requires me to experience many risks, I will not stop. Someday we might be able to demonstrate to all the ignorant and illiterate people what the power of an education means and teach them not to disparage girls simply because they want to study.
— Farahnaz A., SOLA Scholar in the UK
— Farahnaz A., SOLA Scholar in the UK
Core Values
Courage to Grow
SOLA places special emphasis on creating the conditions for ambitious young women to pursue their studies.
Women need great courage to pursue education in Afghanistan. Many SOLA students come from uneducated families. Many must hide their ambitions, even their whereabouts, from wider family, neighbors and friends. All demonstrate untiring commitment to pursuing their education. They understand the meaning of education denied.
SOLA offers a safe boarding house and extensive college preparation to support these students in their quest.
Knowledge to Lead
SOLA supports selected scholars in their pursuit of global educational opportunities in order to obtain the skills needed to become true Afghan leaders.
To compensate for an antiquated educational system focused on rote learning and memorization, students must acquire the values of critical thinking, creative problem-solving, free inquiry and common sense.
SOLA enables a small number of students with exceptional intellectual and leadership qualities gain access to education at the most competitive schools available to any woman, anywhere.
SOLA enables a small number of students with exceptional intellectual and leadership qualities gain access to education at the most competitive schools available to any woman, anywhere.
Power to Change
SOLA fosters the creation of wealth-generating jobs.
Why would any bright, talented young Afghan with a degree from a well-known international university go back to Afghanistan? Educated young Afghans will return because they are committed to transforming the lives of their families, to creating legitimate wealth through a career in the private or public sectors, and, above all, to leading their country out of its present morass at the bottom of most of the world’s social and economic indicators.
SOLA students know they are the generation that can improve—fundamentally improve—the welfare of the Afghan people. In order to reach the essential outcome of leadership positions as graduates return to Afghanistan, SOLA opens doors through its established connections and in-country reputation.
SOLA students know they are the generation that can improve—fundamentally improve—the welfare of the Afghan people. In order to reach the essential outcome of leadership positions as graduates return to Afghanistan, SOLA opens doors through its established connections and in-country reputation.
