Literacy in Afghanistan: A Bridge to Hope

“Literacy is a bridge from misery to hope . . . especially for girls and women” (Kofi Annan, former U.N. Secretary General). In the decades when the Taliban was NOT in power, literacy rates for females rose from 5% to 30%. Before turning to full-time fiction writing, I worked for over forty years at a nonprofit that promoted early education worldwide. I am heartsick contemplating what will happen to girls and women in Afghanistan now. Many organizations continue efforts on their behalf, including Women for Women International (rated “good/give with confidence” by Charity Navigator), which set up an emergency fund. Please consider making a contribution to them or another NGO of your choice so Afghan girls and women can still cross the bridge to hope.

Without the Taliban in power, Afghan girls attended school
Without the Taliban in power, Afghan women attended the schools they were barred from as children

Author: annsepstein@att.net

Ann S. Epstein is an award-winning writer of novels, short stories, memoirs, and essays.

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