In a world grappling with complex challenges, stories of resilience and hope shine a light on the power of human determination. This is the story of Nahid Salimi, an extraordinary 18-year-old from Afghanistan, and her mission to empower Afghan girls through digital literacy. Featured on the UnMasking Humanity podcast with Joshua T. Berglan, Nahid's journey is a testament to the transformative potential of education and the unwavering spirit of young leaders. From Kabul to Coding: A Journey of Empowerment Nahid Salimi grew up in Kabul, Afghanistan, with cherished memories of playing football with friends and family. However, the 2021 government collapse dramatically altered the landscape for Afghan girls and women, restricting their access to education and opportunities. Driven by a desire for self-determination and a refusal to accept a life dictated by others, Nahid turned to education as a form of resistance. Witnessing the struggles of Afghan women denied education fueled her passion to make a difference. She recognized that coding and language skills could provide a pathway to online work, financial independence, and a brighter future, even in the face of adversity. Building a Digital Bridge: The Youth Digital Literacy Initiative Nahid founded a non-profit organization dedicated to teaching Afghan girls coding (specifically Python) and essential language skills. This initiative, Youth Digital Literacy, is more than just a coding school; it's a lifeline of hope and empowerment. The organization faces numerous challenges, including limited access to resources and standardized English tests like TOEFL and IELTS. However, Nahid and her team have adapted by focusing on practical language learning, utilizing online resources, and fostering a supportive learning environment. More Than Just Code: Fostering Resilience and Leadership Nahid's programs go beyond technical skills. They emphasize mental well-being, leadership development, and building a sense of community among the students. One particularly inspiring story involves a 15-year-old student who dreams of starting her own IT company in Afghanistan – a testament to the program's impact. Nahid also shared about her dissapointment in the lack of international support for Afghan girls. The organization has also benefited from the contributions of international volunteers, creating unique cross-cultural learning experiences for the students. The Transformative Power of Technology Coding and technology offer a unique opportunity for Afghan girls to bypass traditional barriers and access the global economy. By learning to code, they can secure online work, gain financial independence, and contribute to their families and communities. A Call to Action: Supporting Nahid's Mission Nahid Salimi's work is a powerful example of how education and technology can empower marginalized communities and create lasting change. You can support her vital mission in several ways: Learn More and Support Nahid's Organization: Visit Youth Digital Literacy to discover more about their programs and how you can get involved. Donate to Support Afghan Girls' Education: Contribute to their GoFundMe campaign to help Afghan girls achieve an ML/AWS certification: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-afghan-girls-achieve-an-ml-aws-certification Support the UnMasking Humanity Podcast To hear more inspiring stories like Nahid's, be sure to explore more on UnMasking Humanity. Explore the UnMasking Humanity Podcast: Discover more inspiring conversations with extraordinary individuals: https://www.joshuatberglan.com/unmasking-humanity--21-questions-with-joshua-t-berglan Check out our Sponsors: We could not do this without them! https://www.joshuatberglan.com/worlds-mayor-experience-partners Conclusion: Investing in a Brighter Future Nahid Salimi's story is a call to action for all of us. By supporting Afghan girls' education, we are investing in a more just and equitable future for all. Let's join Nahid in her mission to empower the next generation of Afghan women leaders.