The Struggle for Education

Traces the theme of education, from Laila's father's dreams to the Taliban's ban on girls' schooling and Laila's eventual teaching.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Hakim's Dream for Laila

A Father's Vision Teaching at Home Hakim, a former teacher, tutors Laila in math, poetry, and science. He tells her she can be anything. He believes educated women are the key to Afghanistan's future. The Communist Years Under the communists, women had more opportunities. Laila attends school, but her teacher is a communist propagandist. Still, she learns. The Dream of a Better Life Hakim dreams of moving to America, near the sea, where Laila can go to college. But war and Mammy's grief keep them in Kabul.

The Taliban Ban

A Door Closed The Edict Girls are forbidden from attending school. All schools for girls are closed. Laila is devastated. She had hoped for a different life for Aziza. Secret Lessons At the orphanage, Zaman teaches the children secretly. Aziza learns about the world. The Taliban's ban is defied in small ways. Laila's Determination Laila teaches Aziza at home when possible. She knows that education is the only way out of oppression. She waits for the day when schools will reopen.

Laila Becomes a Teacher

A Dream Fulfilled The Classroom Laila teaches at the orphanage. She is proud of her students. She uses the inheritance from Jalil to buy supplies. Education is her calling. Aziza's Schooling Aziza attends a real school now. She is top of her class. The stutter is fading. She will have opportunities Laila never had. Honoring Hakim Laila fulfills her father's dream. She is a teacher, rebuilding her country. Education is the weapon against ignorance and extremism.

1980s, Laila's childhood

1996-2001, under Taliban rule

2003, after the fall of the Taliban