I’ve written periodically about the struggle to improve educational opportunities for children, and particularly girls, in Afghanistan. In the process of reporting stories like this one, I’ve always been struck by the intense desire these children have for learning, and the value that families there place on education.
But there are still factions in the country, generally aligned with the Taliban regime, working to prevent children, especially girls, from getting educated. They will do just about anything to derail educational efforts, including maiming and killing teachers and children.
Here’s another story, though, about how the desire for education transcends fear and danger.
A couple of months ago, two teenage girls were attacked by a pack of men who threw acid at their faces as they walked to school in Kandahar. This story on CNN.com updates the progress of the girls, and their continued pursuit of schooling.
“Why wouldn’t I want to come to school?” one of the girls told a reporter. “I want our country to persevere. I have to do something for my country, I must go to school.”