After fleeing Afghanistan to continue educating girls, SOLA opens a permanent school in Rwanda

Shabana Basij-Rasikh, co-founder and president of the School of Leadership, Afghanistan (SOLA), has opened a permanent school in Rwanda to continue educating Afghan girls. SOLA moved from its temporary location in a hotel in Rwanda to a brand new campus after the group of 250 arrived in Rwanda four days after fleeing Afghanistan.

The sign "School of Leadership of Afghanistan, SOLA" marks the new campus, which serves as a permanent home for the girls. Basij-Rasikh expressed her gratitude for the welcome received in Rwanda. SOLA resumed classes at the hotel, which became the temporary school, four days after its arrival.

Millions of Afghan girls are deprived of education, according to a United Nations report. The Taliban's restrictions on girls' education remain in place, barring them from attending school beyond the sixth grade. Basij-Rasikh shared that the girls at SOLA celebrate their opportunity to learn while mourning the denied chance for Afghan girls at home, including child marriage.

The school's location is kept secret for safety reasons. The Taliban spokesperson mentioned that Afghanistan is paying attention to education, with over 10 million students currently enrolled in schools, universities, and institutes. However, the Taliban has stated it is working to establish conditions for girls and women to attend classes according to Islamic Sharia laws.