In Talat-n-Mimoun, a remote village, far from the hustle and bustle of the city, dreams grow quietly and simplicity is a way of life. The 2023 earthquake had a profound impact on this village, leaving the community fragile and in need of support. In partnership with Project HOPE, my colleague, Mr. Youssef, and I, worked to deliver HAF´s Psychosocial Empowerment Program to the children of Talat-n-Mimoun village.

Through creative activities including drawing, coloring, puzzles, dough making, and friendly competitions, we witnessed the return of joy and the innocent laughter of children, brightening the community's harsh reality. On each of the four days of the workshop we witnessed the return of hope for a better future, reinforcing the belief in our ability to make a difference.

One morning while we were busy distributing tools and organizing activities, I noticed a girl watching us from a distance with a wary look. She was observing us cautiously, as if afraid to approach. I gently beckoned her with a warm smile, and said, "You can join us." She responded with a shy smile, a stark contrast to her features that reflected the fatigue of responsibility. Mr. Youssef approached her kindly and asked her name. In a soft, almost inaudible voice, she answered, "My name is Kawthar."

I gently asked, "How old are you?" She replied, "I am 12 years old." There was something in her tone, a mixture of sadness and defeat, as if she was bearing the burdens of the whole world, when she should be enjoying the innocence and happiness of childhood. I continued talking to Kawthar, trying to ease her shyness: "Do you go to school? What grade are you in?" She looked at me, eyes filled with sadness, and answered, "No, I left school after the sixth grade, like all the girls in the village."

My heart ached at her words, realizing the injustice she endures. She told me, "My mother works all day to provide for us, so I take care of the house and my little sister." I wondered how she could bear all these responsibilities.

Kawthar, a girl who should have been in the prime of her childhood, learning, playing, and laughing, was trapped by responsibilities far beyond her years. Instead of being surrounded by books, she was surrounded by household chores and caring for her baby sister. Her words were not just recounting her reality, but expressing a lost childhood, suppressed dreams, and hope for a different future.

This is the bitter reality for many girls in Talat-n-Mimoun village, where education is a distant dream, and a girls' future is often limited to early marriage, motherhood and household chores; a repeat of their mothers´ stories. In this village, education is seen as a luxury, not a basic right.

I looked at Kawthar again, trying to find words to console her, but found myself unable to say anything that could ease her pain. All I could do was hold her hand gently, trying to convey some hope and reassurance. Her hands were cold, as if she was clinging to any shred of warmth and security.

At that moment, I realized that our mission in Talat-n-Mimoun was not just providing psychosocial support following the earthquake, but much more. It was to restore hope in the hearts of these children who suffer in silence; an attempt to give them a glimpse of a better future.

I remembered her words, "All the girls here leave school after the sixth grade. There is no kindergarten in the village… education is not important here." An environment lacking in educational focus, has a profound impact on these girls´ psyches, limits opportunities, and prevents them from achieving their dreams and aspirations.

Kawthar's story and those of other girls in Talat-n-Mimoun village remind us of the importance of education. That education is not just a right but a means for girls to escape the cycle of poverty, to improve the quality of their lives and the lives of their families. We must be the voice of these girls and strive diligently to ensure they receive their right to an education.

This extends to creating an environment that respects this right, improving all aspects of their lives. We must ensure they have a safe and stable environment where they can grow and develop without being burdened by responsibilities beyond their age. Girls like Kawthar deserve to live a happy childhood, full of play, learning, and exploration.

Kawthar's tragedy is not just the story of one girl but the story of many girls who suffer in silence. Education is the key that opens doors and gives them the ability to change their reality. We must be fierce advocates for their right to learn and work tirelessly to provide the necessary support so they can build a bright and hopeful future.

We have the power to make change. The road may seem long and arduous, but with every step we take, we get closer to achieving our goal of building a better future for them.

We must be the force that drives them forward, the hope that lights their way, and the hand that reaches out to help them when they stumble. We must be the voices that speak on their behalf and the advocates who never stop defending their rights. Improving these girls' lives requires not only individual efforts but also concerted efforts at the community level.

We must all work together - governments, educational institutions, NGOs, and individuals - to ensure there are policies and programs that support girls' right to education and provide them with the optimal environment for growth and development. There must be ongoing awareness campaigns to change mindsets that do not prioritize girls' education. We must build schools in every village, train teachers, and provide financial support to families in need so that no girl is forced to leave education because of poverty.

Through these joint efforts, we can make a real and lasting change. The future of our society depends on educating and supporting these girls because they will become the leaders, creators, and innovators of the future. Empowering them is an investment in our collective future, and by achieving their dreams, we contribute to building a better world for everyone. So, let us all unite and work together to provide education to every girl, in every village.

The future starts here, from small villages like Talat-n-Mimoun, and from the hearts of children who need our support and love. Let us work together to achieve their dreams and give them the chance to live a dignified life that they deserve.