Securing Opportunities Abroad
Sumaya Barakzai, originally from Parwan and now living in Kabul, Afghanistan, reached a major milestone in her academic journey by securing two offer letters from universities in the United Kingdom. She joined the GPG Global Pathways Mentorship Program with a clear goal: to gain the guidance and support necessary to pursue higher education abroad and make her dream of studying internationally a reality. Before joining, Sumaya felt uncertain about how to navigate the complex university application process, from preparing documents to selecting suitable programs. The mentorship provided structured advice, step-by-step guidance, and practical strategies, giving her the clarity and confidence she needed to approach each stage effectively. “Receiving these offers showed me how much I can achieve with the right guidance and support. The mentorship gave me the clarity, tools, and confidence to navigate the process and proved that Afghan girls can reach global opportunities when someone believes in us. It is heartbreaking that visa restrictions prevent us from taking these steps now, but this only strengthens my determination,” Sumaya shares. Her journey highlights the power of targeted mentorship and structured support. Even in the face of obstacles beyond her control, Sumaya’s experience demonstrates how access to guidance and encouragement can prepare Afghan students to seize opportunities, pursue their goals, and continue striving for a brighter future.
