Power of words

WRITTEN BY: BIBI BURHANI

Posted on: September 15 at 12:00 AM

Ada, a senior at Potomac Senior High School, has been through a lot since leaving Afghanistan in August 2021. After the Taliban took control, she and her family had to leave quickly, unsure of what would happen next. The scene at Kabul Airport was chaotic, with many people trying to escape. Sadly, Ada’s family was separated at Germany, and her parents are still in Germany while she continued her journey to the United States. Looking back on that time, Ada says: “After the Taliban took over Afghanistan in August 2021, there was a lot of confusion and fear. Many people tried to leave the country because they were worried about their safety under Taliban rule. The situation at Kabul Airport was chaotic as people desperately tried to escape. People around the world were concerned about the violation of human rights, especially women’s rights and freedom of expression under the leadership of the Taliban.” After leaving Afghanistan, Ada’s journey took her through Qatar and Germany. She then spent time in Michigan, New Jersey, South Carolina, and finally settled in Virginia. Despite all the challenges, Ada is focused on starting a new life and finishing her education in America.

Zohal, a sophomore at Potomac Senior High School and Ada’s younger sister, has found a way to express the emotions she felt when the Taliban took over Afghanistan. Through her art, she captures the fear and uncertainty of that day. Zohal’s drawings also serve as a reminder that Afghans are still fighting for Afghanistan’s future. In her own words: “I drew these art to show that moment of fear when Taliban took over Afghanistan and to remind everyone that Afghanistan exists. We have to stand with Afghan women.” Zohal hopes her art will inspire others to continue supporting Afghan women and to remember the struggles they still face.