“The country risks a lost generation as educated women are essential for its development. Afghanistan – or any other country – cannot advance if half of its population is not allowed to pursue an education and participate in public life.” – UNESCO
Trentham groups are coming together on June 24 to launch Voices of Hope, a sponsor-a-tutor program to help young girls in Afghanistan continue their education.
Since the Taliban’s return to power in 2022, girls and women in Afghanistan have had their freedom, safety and rights stripped away.
Everyone has the right to education. But girls and women in Afghanistan have been deprived of this fundamental right. From the age of 14 on, they are no longer allowed to attend secondary school and higher education.
In partnership with refugee-led groups, Women For Change and Ride for Education, Trentham Singing Circle, Rural Australians for Refugees and Trentham CWA are launching Voices of Hope for Refugee Week 2025.
Lida Hazara Nayeeb, founder of Women For Change, will be speaking on the difference that the sponsor-a-tutor program is making in the lives of hundreds of girls in Afghanistan.
Photographer and documentary-maker Muzafar Ali will be stopping in Trentham midway on his 4000-kilometre ride across Queensland, Victoria and South Australia to raise awareness about the need for education for refugees.
Hamida Samar arrived in Australia two years ago after fleeing the Taliban in fear of her life. The 27-year-old and the Trentham Singing Circle will be performing songs for peace.
Join in an afternoon of singing, storytelling and solidarity as they come together to raise awareness of the educational issues facing young girls in Afghanistan. Plus, don’t miss the delicious opportunity to try some Afghan sweets!
The Trentham Voices of Hope launch is timed for Refugee Week, an annual celebratory week across Australia to promote greater awareness of refugees and highlight the issues they face and their contributions to the Australian community.
No matter where we live, we can all keep hope and education alive for young girls and women in Afghanistan. And this afternoon tea is going to share how. It’s on from 2.30pm to 4.30pm on Tuesday June 24 at The Mechanics Trentham, 66 High Street Trentham.
