Naima Torakai is 24 years old. She was born and raised in Nangalam Tange village, located in Dara-e-Pech district of Kunar Province. Against many odds, Naima completed grade 12 in a rural, underserved community, where educational opportunities were scarce and challenges were plenty. Growing up in this environment, Naima developed a deep passion for education that refused to be dimmed. Driven by this passion, she began her teaching journey at a local Islamic religious school, where she taught for two years. Despite her enthusiasm and dedication, the poor condition of the school facilities and a lack of proper resources made it difficult for her to thrive as an educator.

But even in these tough conditions, Naima’s commitment to empowering children—especially girls—remained unwavering. Living with her parents and eight siblings—three sisters and five brothers—Naima came from a family where her father was the sole breadwinner, working as a public school teacher. The family always valued education but struggled to afford quality materials and access to improved teaching methods. She often reflected on the widespread illiteracy in her area and the pressing need for supportive educational environments. As she once said, “Watching the children in my area grow academically fills me with a deep sense of pride—it’s a reminder that every child deserves a chance to learn.” For over two years, Naima struggled without meaningful support, using outdated teaching materials in a limited learning space. These challenges were not new; even during her own education, she faced the same barriers—poor infrastructure, minimal resources, and few opportunities for growth. Her determination grew stronger as she realized that the absence of support was affecting not only her development but also the learning experiences of the children she taught. Through joining the CBE. She witnessed a transformation in both her personal and professional life. “Since becoming an educator in this program, I’ve been able to support my family in many ways,” she shared.
“It has helped me contribute to our income, buy school supplies for my brothers and sisters, and earn respect within my community.”
Naima’s role evolved beyond teaching—she became a provider and a role model. The CBE program gave her the tools and confidence to become a more effective and impactful educator. With her growing skills and knowledge, she brought improved teaching methods, fresh materials, and innovative ideas into her home. Many of her siblings, who are part of the CBE program, now enjoy better learning experiences than before. This progress has inspired others in the community to value education and consider sending their children to similar programs. Academically, Naima is most proud of the progress her students—especially girls—have made under her guidance. “One of the moments I’m most proud of is helping young girls who had never been to school. Some of them can now read short stories and write about their dreams,” she says. This transformation from illiteracy to literacy has become a powerful symbol of hope and change. Teaching has also become a path to personal growth for Naima.

“Teaching has changed my attitude toward life. I’ve become more patient, more understanding, and more hopeful. I’ve learned to see challenges as opportunities and to believe in the potential of every student,” she explained. Looking ahead, Naima is eager to explore new teaching techniques, especially those that promote interactive and student-centered learning. She hopes to incorporate storytelling, visual aids, and group activities to make lessons more engaging and memorable. She’s particularly interested in using local context and real-life examples to help students connect classroom lessons to their everyday experiences. Her vision doesn’t stop here, Naima dreams of pursuing formal teacher training or a university degree in education, aiming to become a professional educator and bring even better opportunities to children in her area. For her, education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty and unlocking a brighter future.
The impact of this opportunity has been profound. Naima now enjoys community respect and personal confidence, and she has made a significant difference in the lives of dozens of students. “What brings me the most happiness is seeing a child’s face light up when they understand something new. That moment of joy—the moment when learning clicks—is priceless. My greatest accomplishment as a teacher is not just teaching letters and numbers, but opening the door to a brighter future for children who once had no access to education.” Naima’s heartfelt gratitude goes to SSEOA and the CBE program sponsor for providing this golden ground—a foundation that helped her and many others stand on their own feet and build a hopeful future.