Sola School establishes permanent base in Rwanda for Afghan girls

The Sola School (School of Leadership, Afghanistan), previously known as the country’s only all-girls boarding school, has established a permanent base in Kigali, Rwanda. This move allows Afghan girls to continue their education despite the Taliban's ban on female schooling in Afghanistan.

Following the fall of Kabul in 2021, school head Shabana Basij-Rasikh reported that the school's records, including student identities and histories, were burned to prevent the Taliban from tracking students, parents, or staff. With mediation from Qatar, many students and staff relocated to Rwanda.

The institution now serves several hundred students and staff members. The school's operations are supported by philanthropic funding, including contributions from Melinda French Gates.