Zahra Abdul Razaq, a 17-year-old Afghan girl living in the UAE, recently made history by becoming the first Afghan girl in the UAE to top a subject in an Indian school. She achieved a perfect score in Mass Media studies in the CBSE board examination results, scoring an overall 93 percent. Zahra’s family made the decision to move to the UAE, enriching her educational opportunities and opening doors for her future. She plans to pursue a Bachelor’s in Journalism or Mass Media and eventually work in Dubai, giving back to the country where she was born and raised.
The state of girls’ education in Afghanistan is a topic close to Zahra’s heart. She expressed her desire to cover stories from Afghanistan and shed light on the challenges faced by girls in her home country. Despite the legal ban on education in Afghanistan, Zahra’s success serves as a beacon of hope for others facing similar obstacles. She has even written a book titled ‘Secrets of Teens’ and is the recipient of the GEMS Platinum Jubilee Scholarship, which provides free tuition fees for a year to selected students.
Zahra’s passion for education and storytelling stems from her family’s vision and support. Her grandparents and parents, who moved from Afghanistan to the UAE in 2001, instilled in her the importance of education and empowerment. Zahra credits her parents as her pillars of strength and acknowledges the role of her school and teachers in shaping her success. Growing up in a community that values diligence and intellectual growth has shaped Zahra’s aspirations and fueled her drive for self-improvement.
Having been a student at GEMS Our Own English High School since kindergarten, Zahra feels proud to have been part of such a remarkable institution. She has actively raised awareness about Afghanistan and its challenges, utilizing her platform to advocate for education and empowerment. As she looks towards the future, Zahra remains grateful for the opportunities that have come her way and is determined to make a positive impact in her community and beyond. Her story serves as an inspiration to girls facing adversity and showcases the power of education and resilience in overcoming obstacles.
