About the Project

As a reaction to the return of the Taliban to power in 2022 and the educational and work restrictions they placed on Afghan girls, this project began with the goal of empowering Afghan girls to find work by holding a graphic design course so that within a few months they can work even at home and continue their social life.

This academy was founded as the corporate social responsibility of "Vand International", which has provided all the financial costs of this project until now and has not received any financial or any other form of support from government and international institutions.

First Year of the Project

The inception of this endeavor marked a profound commitment by the "Vand International Institute" to social responsibility. During its inaugural year, the institute shouldered the project's financial sustenance without seeking financial aid or support from governmental or international entities.

On International Women's Day on March 8, 2022, the project's initial call resonated through Iranian and Afghan media platforms and social networks. This call resonated with Afghan women and girls world wide. Over a month, 531 individuals, all hailing from diverse corners of the world, especially Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan, and Europe, registered on the Vand Institute website.

To bolster the educational aspect of the initiative, the Inverse Art and Design Institute joined forces as a critical partner. This collaboration facilitated comprehensive software instruction for the students. Embarking on an educational journey, 128 Afghan girls, equipped with internet access and computers, launched three semesters of intensive training. Covering essential graphic design software and design literacy, the program also included hands-on expressive exercises. After eight months of dedicated effort, 40 participants successfully completed the curriculum, earning their well-deserved first-year certificates. Many of these accomplished individuals have since ventured into part-time or full-time design endeavors, underscoring the tangible impact of the project.

In collaboration with
Inverse Design School

Second Year of the Project

The remarkable quality of designs produced by the students during the project's inaugural year, along with the palpable boost in the participants' self-assurance, firmly cemented our commitment to extend the initiative for another year. As a result, on March 8, 2023, we unveiled the call for the project's second year. This time, media assistance was eschewed, with the pioneering participants from the first year assuming the pivotal role of project ambassadors, inspiring fellow Afghan girls.

In an astonishing span of just ten days, an impressive 1143 individuals responded to the initial call. Finally, 845 participants registered for the project's second-year journey. During the inaugural semester, students are engrossed in mastering online design software, meticulously following the program curriculum.

The surge in student enrollment during the second year necessitated forging strategic alliances with corporations and compassionate individuals. They distinguished Iranian entities such as Danone andAlibaba.ir, Nexa and Tech-Inn Corporate assumed principal roles as project partners from the commencement of the second year.

Furthermore, a chorus of support echoed from various quarters, as companies including Tetherland, M Browz, Si Sarv, Soroush-e Mowlana, and others lent their generous contributions to this laudable initiative. Our heartfelt gratitude extends to these benevolent collaborators, whose support is instrumental in shaping a brighter future for the girls of Afghanistan.

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1000 Afghan Girls in the Last 2 Years

About the Project

Brief Introduction of the Afghanistan Project

First Year of the Project

Second Year of the Project