Sema is a 12-year-old girl and a 5th grade student from Nangalam Tange, a remote village in Dara-e-Pech district of Kunar Province. She lives with her parents and three younger siblings, who are between the ages of 7 and 9. Her father works as a small vendor in the village, while her mother is a housewife. The family faced a major tragedy when her elder brother—who had been both the breadwinner and Sema’s primary source of learning—passed away. Since then, the family has struggled both financially and emotionally. Her uncle, who had received some education and could have helped, is no longer available to support her learning.

Before joining the Community-Based Education program, Sema had very limited exposure to reading, writing, and basic calculations. She was extremely shy, lacked confidence, and was afraid to speak in front of others. These challenges kept her isolated from her peers and disconnected from her dreams. She had been out of school for several years and had no access to learning opportunities after the loss of her brother. Without support, she was at risk of remaining illiterate and giving up on her hopes of a brighter future. Her life changed when she joined the CBE program. With access to regular classes and a supportive learning environment, she quickly began to blossom. Her confidence grew, her voice became stronger, and her academic skills improved significantly. “The thing I’m most proud of is learning how to read and write simple essays in a short time. I can now read, write, and even help my younger siblings with their lessons. I feel stronger and more hopeful than ever before,” Sema explains with pride. “This supportive program has opened a new door to the world for me,” she adds. Sema’s transformation is a powerful example of what is possible when education reaches those who need it most. Her determination and passion have not only impacted her life but also inspired others in her village. Her story shows how education can bring change even in the most challenging environments. “My attitude toward life has also changed. I used to think that school was not for people like me, but now I believe education is crucial for everyone—boys and girls, young and old. I am more respectful, more curious, and more eager to learn,” she reflects thoughtfully.

She now dreams of becoming either a teacher in the CBE program or a pediatrician. Her goal is to serve the children and families in her community. “In the future, I want to become a pediatrician or a teacher in this program if I get the opportunity. I want to serve my community’s children and families,” she shares enthusiastically. Her academic success has brought pride to her family. They now support her education more than ever and understand its value. She also helps them by reading letters and managing simple tasks like counting money. “I can now help my parents read letters and count money. They are proud of me and support my education more than ever. They now understand the value of learning,” Sema says, describing her impact on her family.
Sema has gained vital literacy and numeracy skills, rebuilt her self-confidence, and developed a passion for teaching and serving others. She helps her younger siblings with their lessons and dreams of one day supporting more children in her village. “What makes me happiest is when I understand something new or help someone else in class. My biggest achievement is being able to dream again. CBE gave me that dream, and I will never forget it. Thanks!” she concludes with a hopeful smile.