Fahima Sultani

Student, Arizona State University

I am a program assistant in a Charity Organization Resources of Young Afghans (ROYA). I had greater maturity and a deeper sense of responsibility than most of my peers. I used to help with the daily management and operations of the ROYA student resource center/lounge and all the programs. I quickly earned the respect of the students, teachers, parents, and partner organizations. I also became an unofficial mentor for our younger girls. A few months later, I was chosen to spearhead a new program that was created to provide Supplementary Learning Classes for ROYA's most vulnerable children. I have helped to identify and screen the children and was one of two teachers to conduct the daily half-day classes. I served in these two positions until being awarded a full scholarship to attend the Asian University for Women in Bangladesh in August 2019. Whether I work for an international aid organization or in my own NGO, I know that helping the underserved people in the country is my priority. I want to change the future of children who have fewer opportunities because of financial problems. Moreover, I want to protect women from physical abuse, prevent early marriages, and promote quality education for everyone.