Let Afghan Girls Learn: Married UAlbany Students' Message to the World

"Let Afghan Girls Learn" is Enayat Nasir's personal mission — and the inspiration for his current doctoral research in the Department of Educational Policy and Leadership at UAlbany's School of Education.

Nasir left his country of origin, Afghanistan, and arrived to the U.S. as a Fulbright Scholar in 2021. His wife and son joined him soon after, and the family settled in Albany. Nasir earned his Master’s degree in education from UAlbany in Spring 2023.

In Afghanistan, Nasir's work focused on youth, education and human rights and led him to roles in the non-profit sector that championed girls' education. 

His tumultuous journey to the U.S. following the collapse of the Afghan government in 2021 made his academic and professional focus even more steadfast: He became devoted to improving educational equality for girls in Afghanistan and across the world.

While Nasir reconnnected with his passion for education, his wife Walwala Taraki devoted her time to a similar cause. 

As a former director of women's cricket in Afghanistan, Taraki worked tirelessly on furthering women's empowerment, human rights and success on the sports field. In Albany, she's continued to help children build confidence through sport and started to study business at UAlbany. 

Nasir and Taraki's story is one of family and community, hope and resilience, in a rapidly evolving world. It reminds us of the importance of building community, remaining persistent and resilient in our endeavors, and keeping hope alive as we all strive toward a greater vision and sense of purpose in life.