On Thursday, October 15th 2026, we were able to witness the magic of technology at work and experience the My Strong Voice: Expressing Courage and Confidence Poetry Reading via Zoom, tying together our Afghan students and invitees from across the world. Piece by piece, line by line, eager Laurel Springs students helped present the work of the amazing girls from the Educate Girls Now program, setting up a place where they could share their experiences and artwork they’ve created throughout the year. Other attendees were special invitations to the event, which included donors, sponsors of the EGN students, and selected supporters of the program.
The event opened up with Mika, a Laurel Springs student who was in charge of organizing the whole event. With efficiency, enthusiasm, and professionalism, she opened the floor to the plethora of submitted works, which were then either read out loud by the student who created them, or a volunteer student in case they were too nervous or couldn’t connect to the event. Additionally, the EGN students who were able to attend shared their works in both Dari and English.
After each piece, their authors were able to discuss what inspired them to create their work, giving a glimpse into their daily lives, what moves them, what they dream of, what they wish to see in the future for themselves, other girls, and their country. The pieces ranged from deeply introspective to simple beauties that brought them joy, all of which were praised equally. The Laurel Springs students also had a chance to express what they loved about each presentation, ask questions, and give the girls compliments on their work.
After all of the pieces were presented, there was a space at the end so that the EGN and Laurel Springs students could talk to each other, ask questions, and interact. Seeing the girls’ faces light up at being able to communicate through video call with children their age on the other side of the world was incredibly heartwarming, their enthusiasm oozing through the screens mirrored by the Laurel Springs students. During the felicitations for the successful event, Mika, some of the volunteers, and any of the interested EGN girls received the surprise opportunity to participate as youth ambassadors for the Fyera Foundation. Congratulations!
We’re so happy to have experienced such a lovely event. In case you missed it, or want to share their beautiful pieces. All of the Afghan girls’ works have been compiled and published into a book titled “shojaat ve omid,” translated to “courage and hope.” You can get a hardcover or softcover copy of the book at the link below:
https://store.shopyearbook.com/egn
All proceeds from the book are donated to the students of Educate Girls Now.
We cannot wait for next year to celebrate our next poetry reading. Already, the EGN girls have been flooding our inboxes with new submissions for the next reading, which will be in April 2027. Keep on the lookout for any future updates!