The Importance of Education

When you’re born into a family of teachers and writers, the importance of education becomes engrained into your identity. That was the case for Marzieh, a refugee from Afghanistan. Both her father and grandfather were important educators in Afghanistan and Pakistan. However, when her family was forced to flee Afghanistan when she was just six years old, she lost her chance to go to school. 

"In Iran, [where her family resettled] it was hard to go to school," said Marzieh. "School was far away, and the walk was far and dangerous because the government of Iran did not protect young girls from predators. I did not get to go past fifth grade, but I always read a lot of books at home."

Marzieh was married at twenty years old, and when her husband left her and her three children, she fled with her kids to Turkey. "We had to hide in the back of a truck and ride horses over the mountains to Istanbul. I applied to the UN (United Nations) for refugee status. Three years later, I moved again to the United States."

Once in the U.S., she knew that she wanted her children to have every opportunity to achieve their educational dreams. But first, she needed to realize her own.

One year after arriving, Marzieh enrolled in the LVCA program to improve her English and prepare to become a U.S. citizen. One-to-one tutoring, conversation classes, and citizenship classes all helped her build the skills and confidence she needed to pass her naturalization test successfully. She set an example for her children to achieve their own success in education and as citizens of our country.

Your generosity allows parents like Marzieh to prioritize their education and uplift an entire generation of new Americans.

"I am very proud of my daughters because this is a hard life, and they want to go to university and continue their education for their futures. My father and grandfather would be very proud of them too because they continued their education."

With your support, students like Marzieh can build a better life for themselves and for their children. Thank you for making an impact that will last for generations to come.

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