In 2017, Farahnaz and her entire community fled the brutal war between ISIS and Afghanistan’s government. They sought refuge in a makeshift camp near Jalalabad, where conditions were so dire that many children died from disease and lack of medical care. Her father, struggling with addiction and barely surviving on meager wages from a brick factory, could not provide for the family.

Born on September 20, 2008, Farahnaz had been one of the top students in her village school. But at the camp, her education was cut short. Instead of studying, she spent her days weaving carpets alongside her mother just to keep the family alive.

That same year, Farahnaz and her sisters, Nooria and Nazoo, found refuge at Mehan Orphanage, where she was finally able to return to school. Today, she lives in one of AFCECO’s safe homes in Islamabad and attends a private school. She loves math, reading in the library, drawing, and watching movies. Her dream is to become a doctor so she can heal and bring hope to her people.