Graduate voices
In Their Own Words
Graduates of Living Wisdom High School, on what the school did for them.
We asked our Afghan Living Wisdom High School graduates a simple question: what are the main things you appreciate about your time here? Twenty-six of them wrote back, at length and unprompted.
This answers a question we mostly answer with numbers — enrollment, completion, cost per student. These students tell us what the school actually did for them.
A selection of their responses, lightly trimmed for length and identified by initials only. The full set is available on request.
One
On having a school at all
Living Wisdom High School gave me the opportunity to continue my education in an online environment during a time when access to education was very difficult in my country… Living Wisdom gave me hope and motivation to continue pursuing education despite many challenges. It will always be a part of me.
SG
“As a student from Afghanistan, continuing my education has not always been easy, but Living Wisdom gave me hope, structure, and a sense of purpose.”
ZiT
Because I live in Afghanistan, the flexibility of online learning was very important for me. Living Wisdom gave me the opportunity to continue my education and not give up on my dreams.
MY
It gave me the opportunity to complete my high school education at a time when I was unable to attend school in my country… Being part of LWHS was truly a privilege, and every moment I spent there has now become a cherished memory and life-long lesson.
NS
Living Wisdom High School came into my life at a time when I was feeling very low and had little hope. Being part of this school helped me believe in myself again, and gave me a new sense of purpose.
LS
Two
On Education for Life, in practice
What the curriculum looks like from a student's desk.
One of the most special parts of my experience was starting each class with meditation. These moments of silence helped me to calm my mind, improve my concentration, and become more aware of my thoughts and feelings… Living Wisdom taught me that being happy comes from within, and that developing a positive attitude can change how we experience life.
MM
The Self-Expression and Communication class taught me how to express myself with confidence, without doubt or fear. Before this class, I was a shy person who struggled to share her ideas because I was afraid others might laugh at me. Now, during my internship program, I am able to share my thoughts openly in front of many people.
NS
I didn't only learn subjects like English or history, I also learned important life skills. I learned how to stay calm, how to manage my emotions, and how to think positively even in difficult situations… For me, Living Wisdom High School is not just a place of education, it is a place that teaches how to live with purpose, strength, and positivity.
ZaT
“We worked not only on knowledge but also on our mental and emotional well-being… We developed both together.”
TA
Three
On how it differs from what they knew before
“There were three things I found nowhere else but LWHS… The first is the respect LWHS has for its students. It is not what most Afghan schools have. The second is the curriculum… Even studying math by self-study at Living Wisdom, my hope for learning math revived, and even if I don't do math for years, I would not forget how. Here we do not only learn math, a language, or history — we also learn patience, humanity, mutual understanding and respect.”
SK
I can confidently say I've learned way more valuable lessons in the EFL system than at my previous traditional school. Joining LWHS didn't only enhance my knowledge theoretically, but also helped me view things in a reflective way and understand concepts in a way that was enjoyable and thought provoking.
HR
In other schools, I usually expected to just learn facts and information and that's it. But here, I felt like I was understanding more than just lessons. I started to think more about myself and the way I see things. I became more aware of myself, which I didn't really expect from school.
NM
The EFL system honestly shifts and changes lives for the better. I love how it not only focuses on students' academic progress but also their personal growth, and that's exactly what millions of educational centers are missing. I want to thank the Living Wisdom family for their great service for humanity.
FH
Four
On who they became
It was not only about completing subjects, but about growing as a person — developing discipline, responsibility, and a clear direction for the future… This gave me confidence not only academically, but also in how I express myself and engage with others.
BA
Learning more about ourselves, valuing each person's abilities, and understanding that everyone is unique are some of the things I appreciated. I discovered abilities I had but didn't know about before.
TA
LWHS helped me improve myself in the journey of discovering who I truly want to be, and how I can achieve it.
HR
“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
Editor's note
What I noticed
A few things stood out to me as I read these together. Almost none of them lead with academics — they lead with confidence, calm, and being treated with respect. Several name specific classes, which tells me the curriculum is landing, not just the atmosphere. And more than one describes the school reaching a low point and changing the direction it was headed.
— Peter Skillman, Board Chair
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