Education is a cornerstone of our child protection model, and equal opportunities have the power to transform children’s lives. Zahra’s journey is a shining example of these principles in action. Originally from Afghanistan but raised in Iran, Zahra arrived at one of our shelters four years ago when she was just 15. Now, she’s beginning a new chapter in the United States, where she will start her first semester at Roger Williams University. Her story highlights the transformative impact of a child protection model focused on integration and providing equal educational opportunities.
When Zahra first arrived in Greece, she spent a year on the island of Chios. “There were only two schools on the island,” she recalls, “and I was the only student who was not Greek. Then, the pandemic happened and schools closed down. There were other organizations offering lessons, but it was not enough.”
Understanding that education was her key to a better future, Zahra requested to be relocated to Athens, where she would have more opportunities to continue her studies. Once in Athens, she was placed in one of our shelters and immediately enrolled in a Greek school.
The following academic year, Zahra was awarded a scholarship to attend ACS Athens. This opportunity was life-changing for her. “That was one of the best things to ever happen in my life; it brought me closer to making my dreams come true,” she says.
At ACS Athens, Zahra focused on improving her English but truly shone in both math and visual arts, the latter being a skill she cultivated during the pandemic as a form of self-expression. Her hard work and dedication paid off when she was accepted to Roger Williams University in the United States with a full-ride scholarship to study applied mathematics.
Now 19, Zahra is preparing to start her first semester in college in Bristol, RI. Along with her major in applied math, she is considering minoring in animation. But her ambitions don’t stop there—Zahra dreams of traveling the world and giving back to her communities, “perhaps by teaching math through art to younger children.”
As Zahra embarks on this new journey, she remains deeply connected to the place that helped shape her into the person she is today. During the four years she spent in our shelter in Athens, she not only excelled academically but also found a supportive community that encouraged her to explore her interests and talents. She expresses profound gratitude to the staff and mentors who guided her along the way: “Because of The HOME Project, I know I have a home in Athens no matter how far I go.”
At The HOME Project, we remain dedicated to creating stable, nurturing environments where every child can thrive, explore their interests and talents, and pursue their goals and dreams. As we celebrate Zahra’s incredible achievements, we eagerly anticipate all that she will accomplish in the years to come.