News of Nora, Fatima, and Strength in STEM, October 2024

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Nora, Fatima, and their family continue to live with uncertainty in Pakistan. The commitment to Strength in STEM (SiSTEM) also continues, while the peril inherent in the life of refugees has forced Nora and Fatima to focus in multiple additional directions. 


In April, Nora and Fatima announced a pause in SiSTEM classes, knowing their students were needed to help with Ramadan and preparation for Eid. At the time, they and their family were also growing increasingly concerned they would be forced to return to Afghanistan. As the oldest sibling, Nora felt responsible to help earn money for the family whatever their circumstance. In countries like Pakistan and Afghanistan, the only way she felt she could safely do so was by selling artwork. Fatima is already a talented artist and assumed the role of art teacher for the family. Between Fatima’s instruction and a course led by an accomplished artist in Islamabad, Nora has shown tremendous talent and has begun raising small sums for her family.


While the arrest and deportations of Afghans in Pakistan have slowed since last fall, tensions remain. Internet access is limited and unreliable. Safety is also unreliable and often restricts them to their one-room apartment. On good days, Nora, Fatima, and their younger sisters, all of whom enjoy art, have taken their pencil and sketch pads to a local park. This is where locals have seen and commissioned their work.


Later this past spring, the family received messages of hope from two western nations. More than two years after escaping from Afghanistan and after applying for humanitarian and other visas around the world, these were the first to offer a glimmer of possibility. The family continues to wait, hope, and prepare as best they can.


Additional positive news is that Nora is now registered at American University of Afghanistan (AUAF). Based in Qatar since the Taliban banned education for most females, Nora has recently started online credit-earning courses. Not surprisingly, Fatima and their next youngest brother listen in on the online lectures to learn as much as they can.


Amidst all of this, Nora and Fatima remain committed to SiSTEM. Here is the latest update:


Our chat group is still active, and every day we discuss the challenges that Afghan girls are facing. Together, we search for solutions. One of our main efforts is exploring how more girls can gain admission to AUAF in the coming semester. I have been guiding them on the necessary skills for entering the university and on how they can learn art and computing at home, despite the limited resources they have. It has been very rewarding to help in this way.


Since the closure of schools and universities in Afghanistan, many families have resorted to early marriages for their daughters, which could lead to significant social and health challenges. One of our primary goals is to raise awareness in any way possible so that families are mindful of their daughters' rights. While the academic activities of Strength in STEM were briefly paused, the social programs continued. I have recently resumed lessons with four students who are eager to study advanced English in preparation for their IELTS or Duolingo exams. Additionally, a talented Iranian-British artist sent me a message through Classrooms Without Walls, expressing her willingness to collaborate in art education. Although I have not yet had the chance to contact her due to ongoing challenges, I intend to reach out soon. She is an exceptionally skilled painter and once conducted a workshop for us at CWW, which was incredibly enriching.


Nora and Fatima are remarkable young women. Thanks to the support of many, they and SiSTEM are changing lives for the better despite gravely daunting challenges. Thank you to all who have donated to the GoFundMe campaign for SiSTEM, and thank you all for the encouragement and energy your support has given them.

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