Roya Mahboob’s projects allow girls to make contact with peers abroad without meeting disapproval at home.
In an article from the most recent edition, IB spoke to a number of visionaries who are revolutionizing the world of learning. From embracing the digital future to providing the basics that disadvantaged children need to attend school, each one is striving to help every child get a 21st-century education. Here is one great example.
Roya Mahboob
Founder of the Afghan Citadel Software Company
“Our vision of education is a direct connection between the educational institution and the world of digital media and professional services, such as blogging, social media, filmmaking and software development,” she says.
Mahboob, who recently was named one of TIME Magazine's most influential people in the world, draws on her own experience of “the incredible power of social media and IT” for inspiration. “I thought that I could apply this to Afghan women to empower them to change their life,” she says.
“Education is free and open to everybody, but it still depends on society and family traditions, and whether or not families will allow their daughters to continue their studies,” Roya continues. “Supporters of traditional society and culture believe that education isn’t a good idea for women.”
Mahboob is planning to build 40 Internet-enabled classrooms across Afghanistan that will allow thousands of female students to learn together and connect with one another. Access to the web is complemented by Mahboob’s online channel, Women’s Annex, a multilingual blog and video site, and Examer, an interactive learning website.
“Female students can develop professional skills and generate revenue to support their families—while still respecting local traditions—so they can change the culture and improve Afghanistan’s economy.”
The democratic and international nature of technology means that Mahboob’s ideas and dreams could reach far beyond her country’s borders. “The most important factor is to allow students to access the Internet so they can develop their ideas with the support of young people from all over the world.”
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