Over the past 15 years, we have worked hard to change the lives of girls and young women in Afghanistan. See how our work has impacted many lives.
In the News
"We have to do the best we can": Uncertainty and Hope for One Girls' School in Afghanistan
Oct 2021 People Magazine
Razia Jan is keeping the doors open to the Afghan girls' school that she started in 2008, but things are dramatically different.
Afghanistan's Girls
Sep 2021 What you need to know. Now.
Award-winning journalist Amy Kaslow explores the uniquely successful strategies Afghan native and longtime U.S. resident Razia Jan employed throughout her journey to bring girls' education to rural Afghanistan.
“My heart is broken”: Former Marshfield woman who opened Afghan school for girls reflects on Taliban takeover
Aug 2021 Patriot Ledger
Humanitarian Razia Jan has a clear message to girls in the Deh Sabz District, women in Kabul and people watching across the world as Afghanistan finds itself thrust into deepening political turmoil: We aren't going anywhere.
A lifelong advocate for women, Jan is marking 14 years of running a free school for girls on the outskirts of Kabul.
Local Afghans are reflecting on the stories coming out of their native country since it fell to the Taliban
Aug 2021 Boston Globe
A Boston neurosurgeon procuring medical supplies for Afghanistan amid memories of his own harried escape decades ago. The Duxbury founder of a girls’ school losing sleep as she prays for the continued safety of her staff and students. And a Newton architect marshaling funds for refugees from the torn land.
Local Afghans see themselves reflected in the faces and stories coming out of their native country.
My schools have educated thousands of Afghan girls. Here's why I remain hopeful.
Aug 2021 Boston Globe
“The tenacity of Afghan girls is the reason I remain optimistic. Now is not the time to surrender and despair.”
Seventh Annual Commonwealth Heroines of Massachusetts
Jun 2020 The Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women
MCSW held the Seventeenth Annual Commonwealth Heroines celebration virtually, identifying extraordinary women from across the Commonwealth. These acts of public leadership and volunteerism help advance the status of women and girls in Massachusetts in ways big and small, and the collective effort is meaningful.
Razia Jan brings her ray of hope to State House
Feb 2020 News Break
Former Duxbury resident and humanitarian Razia Jan spoke at the State House on Jan. 29. She is the founder of Razia’s Ray of Hope Foundation and the Zabuli Education Center, a girls and women’s school outside of Kabul, Afghanistan. Jan spoke to Massachusetts legislators and staff about the progress of the school since it opened in 2008. State Representatives Josh Cutler and Kathy LaNatra and State Senator Patrick O’Connor sponsored the presentation.
Hosseini and Jan Translate Their Afghan Identities Into Activism
Oct 2018 The Spectator
Khaled Hosseini, an internationally acclaimed author, and Razia Jan, the president and founder of Razia’s Ray of Hope, brought a full house to Seattle University’s Pigott Auditorium to speak about the activism they have contributed to Afghanistan. The conversation was moderated by Sonora Jha, the associate dean for Academic Community of the College of Arts and Sciences.
Hosseini has written “The Kite Runner,” “A Thousand Splendid Suns,” and “And the Mountains Echoed.” His novels are all at least partially set in Afghanistan, where Hosseini himself was born.
In addition to sharing his writings, Hosseini spoke to the audience about his philanthropic efforts in Afghanistan with Razia Jan. As the founder and president of the Razia’s Ray of Hope Foundation, Jan aims to empower girls and young women through education in Afghanistan.