Education
Education is the foundation to improving life in Afghanistan.
Over 60% of Afghans are under the age of 25 — a tremendous opportunity for the country's future. AWAKEN founded the Qala-e-Malakh School to provide primary education for thousands of children and provides university scholarships to support higher education.
Qala-e-Malakh School
Women in Afghanistan receive about two years of schooling on average. The Qala-e-Malakh School has roughly 1,860 students in grades 1–12. About 20% of students are girls — a remarkable statistic in a context where girls were long denied access to formal education.
Before 2004, the village of Qala-e-Malakh in Behsood District had no physical school building. AWAKEN built the school in 2004; it has grown to serve thousands of young Afghans. Once established, management transitioned to the Afghan government; AWAKEN remains involved in staffing, facilities, and encouraging female enrollment.
- 1,900+ boys and girls enrolled grades 1–12
- 3,000+ graduated students
- Powered by renewable solar energy
University scholarship program
Gross enrollment for Afghans attending university is below 10%; for women it is less than 5%. Each year AWAKEN provides scholarships to deserving graduates of the school — both men and women — covering tuition, room, and board, along with mentorship for success.
- 100+ students graduated with our program
- $18,000+ in scholarships per year to support students in need
- 22+ students currently enrolled (figures vary by year)
Photo gallery
Scenes from schools and scholarship programs (from the original site).
