Palwasha grew up in a very poor family with many siblings. Her eldest brother is mentally disabled and requires constant care, while her father—now in his seventies—once worked as a police officer serving alongside American forces. When the Taliban returned to power, her father was forced to go into hiding, leaving the family in fear and deep financial and emotional stress.

In 2022, Palwasha found shelter at one of AFCECO’s safe homes in Kabul. A year later, she was relocated to Islamabad, where she now lives with other girls who have also overcome hardship. There, she attends an international private school and, in 2025, advanced to the “O” Level of Cambridge’s General Certificate of Education—the equivalent of high school.

Palwasha is resilient, hopeful, and determined to build a brighter future—one that would not be possible without support and sponsorship.