School of Leadership Afghanistan (SOLA)

Afghanistan

SOLA, the first boarding school for girls in Afghanistan, pairs its comprehensive curriculum with national education improvement programs. SOLA students supplement basic subjects with leadership training, civic engagement, and skills-based classes that prepare them to excel at institutions of higher education.

Project Stage

Scaling

Implementation time

1 - 6 months

Last update: October 05, 2023

Overview Contributors

Challenge

SOLA works with the local Ministry of Education and community agencies to identify highly motivated but under-resourced girls in peri-urban and rural provinces around the country.

Description

Since its founding in 2008, SOLA has grown from a student body of 4 to close to 30. The programming has expanded to include after-class enrichment opportunities and online mentoring. The geographic reach of SOLA has grown to encompass students from 14 provinces. Support staff and volunteers hail from Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, Portugal, South Africa, USA, and the UK, and widespread connections have allowed for increased international scholarship opportunities for SOLA's graduates.

Outcomes

SOLA has expanded from 4 students to nearly 30, including after-class enrichment and mentoring, and grown to include students from 14 provinces with international support.