Living Wisdom · Afghanistan High School
They banned her from school. She found another one.
A free, accredited online high school for Afghan women denied education under Taliban rule. Their stories — and their courage — are here.
From our graduates
In Their Own Words
We asked twenty-six graduates what they appreciated about their time here. They wrote back at length.
“Living Wisdom gave me hope, structure, and a sense of purpose.”
ZiT
“The first is the respect LWHS has for its students. It is not what most Afghan schools have.”
SK
“I became more aware of myself, which I didn't really expect from school.”
NM
“Even though I have graduated, I still stay in touch with my coaches and classmates, and I always feel that I am a part of this school.”
FR
The school so far
How the school has grown.
-
January 2023
1
student
-
2024–25
29
students
-
Fall 2025
54
enrolled
-
Fall 2026
63
enrolled today
Teachers
17
fourteen in Afghanistan; two teach as volunteers
Tuition
$0
always
Enrollment through Fall 2025 as recorded in our grant reports; Fall 2026 is current. See the full history.
Our mission
Creating Possibilities
With your support, we can provide free online accredited high school education to Afghan women that offers a pathway to a college degree and training and employment to Afghan teachers. Together, we can envision a future where educated Afghan women become the architects of change in their lives, helping to rebuild Afghan society and overcome the confines of inequality, poverty, and limited opportunities.
We see these girls not just as students, but as the future leaders of their communities, working towards prosperity, innovation, creativity, and social progress.
About
Afghanistan is the only country in the world in which women and girls are denied education. This gender apartheid threatens Afghan society and has global implications for international human rights. The collaborative project between The Living Wisdom School and Victory Afghanistan is a crucial step towards addressing this issue.
Read about the schoolApply
Living Wisdom International High School welcomes applications from Afghan young women seeking a high school degree from an accredited online high school at no cost.
Our School
Living Wisdom International High School provides educational opportunities for both middle school and high school students world-wide.
How we teachTheir Stories
Written by the women of the Afghanistan High School program.
September 2026
This Table
I have sat at this table in tears, and I have sat here with laughter.
Read the story
June 2026
Two Emails
An acceptance letter arrived the day after the Taliban shut her out of her English class.
Read the story
August 2025
Crossing
A journey across impossible distances — physical, emotional, and political — told with unflinching honesty.
Read the storyJune 2025
Twins' Dream
Two sisters, one determination: to finish school together, whatever the cost.
Read the story
September 2024
Whispers of Hope and Resilience
In secrecy, by lamplight, with a borrowed screen — one student refused to let silence be the last word.
Read the story
April 2024
Our Afghan Story
The story of a program that dared to believe education could reach where laws could not.
Read the story
July 2024
Letter from Kabul
"I write this by lamplight while my family sleeps. My textbook is hidden under the floorboards."
Read the letter
October 2024
My Journey with Living Wisdom School
An instructor reflects on what it means to teach across borders, firewalls, and fear.
Read the story
Latest from Lamplight
New writing from the By Lamplight Substack.
May 2024 · Video
Our Mission
Watch the story of Living Wisdom's Afghanistan program — why it exists, how it works, and what it means to the women it serves.
Watch the videoEducation is the one thing they cannot take.
Your support keeps Afghan women in school. Every donation funds free, accredited education for a young woman who has no other option.