Overview

• Afghan Geeks, founded by Afghan refugee Murtaza Jafari in December, offers Dari-language coding classes at beginner to advanced levels for 28 women and mentors graduates into remote internships.
• Vision Online University, launched by a student nicknamed Zuhal with a university professor, now employs 150 volunteer instructors to teach subjects ranging from languages and psychology to nursing and public speaking to over 4,000 women.
• Both initiatives require students to remain anonymous, prohibit video sharing and use secure online platforms to protect participants from Taliban reprisals.
• Mentoring in job placement and digital skill development provides a rare avenue for Afghan women to access online work opportunities after most professions were closed under the Taliban.
• Organizers face persistent challenges including limited funding, costly internet access and erratic connectivity but continue to expand course offerings to meet growing demand.