Not so long ago, all of us were haunted by the images of the women of Afghanistan. Covered head to toe in the burka, they were denied the right to health care, freedom and education. But the love of learning did not die with the Taliban. Some studied secretly in their basements under penalty of beating or worse. Others escaped to Pakistan.

Like many, Paula Nirschel was affected by those images. She decided to make a difference in the lives of Afghan women and created the Initiative to Educate Afghan Women.

“I wanted a group of women to come to America to experience the freedom of education and to strengthen their self-worth, then return home and teach others what they learned in the United States,” Paula says.

Roger Williams University became the first university in the country to offer a full scholarship to a woman from Afghanistan. Through Paula’s tireless efforts, several other universities followed suit.

It wasn’t easy. As a citizen, Paula’s hundreds of hours of constant e-mails, phone calls and communications with officials in Afghanistan and the U.S. finally led to Afghan women receiving full scholarships at universities and colleges across the United States. The first year saw six students in the program—that number has now grown to 42 students enrolled for the 2007-2008 academic year.

A signature feature of the IEAW is the constant nurturing of the students provided by the director and coordinator. Visits are made to campuses and each student’s progress and well-being is carefully monitored throughout the year. The Annual Intersession brings all the students together for a week during the winter holidays—this is a time of great joy and also a time when important bonds are created.

All of the students return home together every summer to work for reconstruction and to help support their families. The students who are chosen have high academic standards and keen English skills. They are dedicated to returning home after graduation.