Changing Lives Through Education
Named for the late Abdul Madjid Zabuli, a businessman and philanthropist who was committed to improving education in Afghanistan, the Zabuli Education Center is located 30 miles outside of Kabul.
The center is built on the historic site of a former boys’ school in the village of Deh’Subz. The gift of a beloved Afghan king in the 1930s, the original building was all but destroyed by 30 years of war and terrorism. The new two-story, eight-room building is located in a relatively safe area within walking distance of seven villages. The school opened its doors in March 2008, and now provides free education to more than 200 Afghan girls who have previously been denied educational opportunities. Students range in age from four to fifteen. The curriculum is both academic and practical, taught by experienced, native teachers.
The Zabuli Education Center was founded by Afghan native Razia Jan through the Razia’s Ray of Hope Foundation. Razia’s dream of a school for girls became reality through the collaboration of several extraordinary women — as well as the vital support from generous organizations and the hard work of staff and volunteers.
“We opened a school for girls in Afghanistan to help break the cycle of poverty through access to an education in a very poor area,” says Razia. “By providing these girls with an education, we are giving them a ray of hope to protect them from the vicious cycle of poverty, malnutrition, and hunger.”
