I feel extremely honoured that I was able to time my sky-dive close to International Women’s Day. For this Zabuli Project, to date we have raised £1700 and counting. We have sponsored an entire school in a village built specifically to empower Afghan girls through education. All of you are every more a part of it!

The entry below is Razia’s email.

Hi Natasha,
That’s so great.  I think with the funds we could also buy notebooks, stationary, backpacks and some sports equipment (some soccer balls, volleyball net, jump ropes, etc.) I will be able to provide images of the kids with these things, purchased with the money you raised, and I think ultimately these are the best things you can possibly show your donors.  And, when you visit! you’ll be able to see and document for yourself.  Does that sound good?  Thank you thank you again.  Very best regards, Razia

My Video Message for You – Reporting from Hibaldstow Airfield, North Lincolnshire, United Kingdom

Dear Natasha,

I wanted to get in touch with you again after the incredible year that has just flown by. I have been extremely busy with my dream project: The Zabuli School for Girls.

I think last year when we talked, I mentioned to you how frustrated and anxious I was, as time was running out and we had a deadline to finish the first girls school in Deh’ Sabz. I had to face so many obstacles. Elders in the community put pressure on me to change the school’s mission, to let the boys attend instead of girls; you know a day before opening of our school they came and told me that I was making a great mistake for not letting the boys attend this school. One of them said, you know boys are the back-bone of Afghanistan. I laughed and said gentleman you know that girls are the eye-sight of Afghanistan.

There were quite a few obstacles along the way, but believe me a year has passed and I have forgotten the bad dreams that I used to have.

We just finished our first year of schooling of about 200 girls ages four to thirteen, KG to fourth grade. We received a great review from the Ministry of Education for our student performance and the management of our school. All our hard work has paid off.

You know it’s amazing that we had 72 girls in KG, they are so adorable cute and smart. Whenever I look at them my heart starts to pound and I say to myself quietly, this is the future of Afghanistan. Don’t take me wrong the other 128 girls are also doing great.

Look at you, what you have done so far, trying to SKY DIVE and raise funds for our cause. You and others have made it possible to bring a smile on the faces of these beautiful children. Thank you again,

Razia