Code to Inspire

The cultural attitude towards the education of women across the developing world presents a major obstacle to the advancement of human rights in the 21st century. The situation in Afghanistan is particularly dire, characterized not only by official restrictions on women's access to education and career opportunities but also by deeply entrenched societal beliefs on what a woman is capable of and what her role in society should be. These combined factors severely limit the agency of the vast majority of Afghan women, leaving them dependent on male relatives and vulnerable to abuse and exploitation.

After the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan in 2021, girls have been prohibited from attending school beyond the 6th grade causing 80% of school-aged Afghan girls and young women - 2.5M people out of school. In December 2022, university education was suspended as well, affecting an additional 100K female students attending higher education institutions. This ban has reversed the progress made between 2001 and 2018, where the number of Afghan women in higher education had multiplied by 20. 

Denying girls access to education not only deprives them of fundamental rights but also perpetuates cycles of poverty, inequality, and disenfranchisement. As of May 2023, 81% of Afghan women stated that restrictions have decreased their ability to take on income-generating activities in the last 3 months. Women from nearly every province unanimously acknowledged that their unemployment has led to concerning outcomes, further exacerbating their situations within households. This includes a reduction in their decision-making authority, strained relations with male family members, and an elevated risk of experiencing domestic violence. 

In addition to the ban on girls’ education, the lack of digital infrastructure in Afghanistan significantly hampers Afghan women and girls' ability to engage in remote learning. With limited access to reliable internet connectivity, electricity, and digital devices, many girls are unable to participate in online educational programs or access digital learning resources. Afghanistan’s internet penetration rate stood at 18.4 percent of the total population at the start of 2023, with girls’ access likely being much lower due to societal and economic barriers. This digital divide exacerbates existing disparities in educational opportunities, particularly for girls in remote and underserved communities. Addressing the lack of digital infrastructure is crucial for ensuring equitable access to education for all. Access to technology enables Afghan women and girls to overcome barriers to learning in an increasingly digital world. 

Code to Inspire, the first coding school for women and girls in Afghanistan, has proven dedicated to improving the lives of oppressed women and girls by empowering them through education with over 550 students to date. To expand our program, we need financial assistance to create a new secure platform equipped with computers and internet as well as need-based scholarships to ensure that Afghan women attain the education they rightfully deserve.

Code to Inspire (CTI), a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organization in Herat, Afghanistan, addresses these challenges by enlisting Afghan women and girls to learn coding, graphic design, and mobile app, game, and website development. As of March 2024, Code to Inspire has educated more than 550 students, graduated more than 350 students, achieved a 60% employment rate, and earned more than $74K in paid projects for students. Through these efforts, CTI empowers young women in Afghanistan to catalyze economic and social advancement by securing highly skilled positions, fostering financial independence, and succeeding in the global tech market, thus bolstering the overall economy of Afghanistan. 

In the wake of the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan in August 2021, which included the prohibition of education of women and girls beyond the 6th grade up to the university level, Code to Inspire (CTI) was compelled to modify its facilities to ensure the safety of our staff and students. To facilitate this transition, we opted for Google Classroom as the medium through which we could provide educational content to our students, encompassing a wide array of resources such as videos, presentations, and interactive exercises. However, the limited availability of laptops and reliable internet connectivity among many of our students' households caused significant problems in our ability to educate. Recognizing the pressing issue, we conducted a comprehensive survey to help meet the needs of our students. Subsequently, we embarked on a distribution initiative that provided laptops and monthly internet packages to each student's home, thus mitigating the digital divide.

Thanks to this concerted effort, we successfully managed to reintegrate approximately 80% of our students into our online learning environment, thereby ensuring their continued access to education. During this pivotal period, we continued to serve approximately 250 students. However, the overwhelming demand from girls across Afghanistan who sought to join our school underscores the urgent need to extend our outreach. Regrettably, our resource constraints limit our capacity to accommodate more than 1200 of these aspiring students. 

As the number of women expressing their interest in participating in a CTI education increases, we aim to expand our reach to help Afghan women and girls around the world. Our next step towards expansion would be to develop a tailored online learning platform specifically designed for Afghanistan and its unique geopolitical situation. This platform should effectively function in offline or low-bandwidth settings to address technical issues. It would also have to prioritize encryption and privacy measures to help keep users safe.

This grant will allow us to continue to meet the overwhelming need to accommodate the women and girls who eagerly desire to join our program through scholarships as well. 20 scholarship packages including laptops and internet connectivity solutions allow us to expand to those most vulnerable. As our reach grows, so does our opportunity to refine and harden our approach to providing safe education to girls in places where society places major barriers in front of them.

Code to Inspire provides essential support and empowerment to Afghan girls, who are facing significant challenges as they navigate through gender-based discrimination and endure some of the most severe oppression globally. Under the Taliban regime, girls and women are not allowed to attend schools, attain employment, play sports, leave their houses without a male relative, and much more. This has severely impacted the agency of women across the country, leaving them reliant on male relatives and vulnerable to abuse and exploitation. 

In a society where opportunities for girls are limited and their voices often silenced, Code to Inspire serves as a beacon of hope, offering a transformative pathway to education, economic independence, and self-empowerment. By providing coding education, mentorship, and pathways to professional careers, Code to Inspire is narrowing the gender disparity in digital proficiency, thereby unlocking lucrative job prospects for women and catalyzing economic advancement on a broader scale. CTI graduate Arezo Akrami joyfully exclaimed “The first-ever salary I received through my coding skills was an unforgettable feeling. I was jumping around and wanted to fly. I am so happy that I can make money by myself and I am so grateful to CTI for helping to make this happen.” For girls like Arezo in Herat, the necessary digital infrastructure to learn remotely is more accessible relative to girls in more remote parts of Afghanistan, where restrictions are harsher and opportunities are more limited. 

Demand for our solution has skyrocketed as more girls have seen their peers graduate and access unprecedented opportunities after graduation. To expand CTI’s reach and meet this increased demand, CTI has embarked on the development of a secure online learning platform that prioritizes privacy, operates effectively in low-bandwidth environments, and is accessible via mobile devices. Equipping all Afghan girls with access to and the necessary skills for participation in the digital economy not only enhances their financial autonomy but also empowers them to redefine society's beliefs about what an Afghan girl is capable of.

Created in 2015, former Afghan refugee Fereshteh Forough established Code to Inspire to provide women and girls access to a dignified computer science education, a field where only 20% of women are represented globally. Fereshteh's own life story is one of resilience and determination. Born as an Afghan refugee in Iran, she faced countless barriers, including the denial of educational opportunities, until her family relocated to Herat, Afghanistan, following the collapse of the Taliban regime in 2002. Fereshteh earned her bachelor's degree in Computer Science from Herat University in 2007. Her unwavering commitment and aptitude for technology caught the attention of the German Academic Exchange Service, which awarded her a scholarship to pursue a master's degree at the Technical University of Berlin. Fereshteh returned to Herat in 2010, where she dedicated herself as a professor in the Computer Science Faculty at Herat University for three years. In 2015, Fereshteh felt compelled to establish Code to Inspire—the first-ever advanced computer coding school in Afghanistan. The organization aimed to educate young women and girls, while empowering them to pursue a seemingly impossible dream: the opportunity to study and evolve into the fullest versions of themselves.

Today, Fereshteh’s team is composed of more than 15 people, including a global administrative team and an in-country operations team, as well as numerous international and local partnerships. The global team leverages expertise across nonprofit administration, software development & web design, cryptocurrency and funds management, and deep technical research. Despite difficult conditions, the in-country team leverages local relationships, technical know-how, and creative problem-solving to keep the school running. Code to Inspire also leverages partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders, including local and international NGOs, public and private universities in Afghanistan, and technology companies like Google and Github. These partnerships are selected based on their alignment with Code to Inspire's goals and their capacity to contribute to operational efficiency, curriculum quality, and the program's scalability. With a track record of nine years of successful operations and over 350 graduates, our experienced global team, in-country staff, and extensive network of partners are fully equipped to provide coding education to girls in Afghanistan.

Code to Inspire (CTI) is currently in the growth stage as it has established its solution in one community and is ready for further expansion into multiple communities or countries. CTI has a consistent design and approach to providing digital skills training and education to Afghan women and girls, which it has successfully implemented in Herat, Afghanistan. The organization has built and tested its educational programs, including coding bootcamps, workshops, and courses, tailored to the needs of its beneficiaries. CTI has also developed a user-friendly online learning platform that provides access to course materials, virtual classrooms, and networking opportunities for its participants. 

To date, Code to Inspire has served a significant number of beneficiaries in Herat, Afghanistan, providing them with access to quality education and digital skills training. The organization has successfully empowered Afghan women and girls to gain proficiency in coding, graphic design, and mobile app development, equipping them with valuable skills for employment in the tech industry. CTI has also facilitated networking and mentorship opportunities for its participants, connecting them with global tech communities to further their professional development.

As a nonprofit organization, Code to Inspire has established a set of donors and revenue streams to support its operations and growth. Through partnerships with philanthropic organizations, corporate sponsors, and individual donors, CTI has secured funding to sustain its programs and expand its reach to serve more communities and beneficiaries. Overall, CTI's accomplishments in building and testing its solution, serving beneficiaries in Herat, Afghanistan, and establishing a sustainable funding model demonstrate that it is well-positioned for further growth and expansion into multiple communities or countries.

In light of the challenging landscape for women's education in Afghanistan, Code to Inspire has continually faced financial, technical, legal, and cultural hurdles. The situation for women has markedly deteriorated since the Taliban's resurgence in 2021, leading to a drastic reduction in educational and career prospects for Afghan women. Consequently, there has been a substantial surge in demand for CTI's curriculum. However, due to financial constraints, we have not been able to meet this heightened demand. Beyond the prize funds associated with MIT Solve, we view access to additional funding sources, an accomplished peer network, and the nine-month program as a way to optimize our fundraising positioning, streamline our fundraising processes, and expand our donor base to expand operations, reach more girls, and increase our impact. 

In terms of technical challenges, the lack of digital infrastructure has been a large barrier for many girls. To overcome this obstacle and enhance accessibility for girls in remote areas, we are actively developing an online learning platform tailored to Afghanistan's unique societal and geopolitical context. In tandem with this initiative, we are expanding the CTI curriculum in 2024 to include additional courses such as Amazon Web Services, Soft Skills Training, and Introduction to Business, ensuring our students receive a well-rounded education. We are also committed to maintaining the relevance of our curriculum by seeking validation through third-party certifications from leading online coding academies and technology firms. Access to a support network of peers, along with in-kind and pro bono resources like software licenses and legal services, through MIT Solve, would be instrumental in advancing our efforts to overcome these technical barriers.

Lastly, CTI continues to overcome cultural attitudes towards women’s education and employment through the graduation and employment of each student. As these girls complete their education and secure positions in the technology sector, they not only contribute to their families' financial well-being but also challenge entrenched societal norms. Access to proven peers who can assist us with creative problem solving, the financial resources and access to additional donors to streamline and improve our fundraising efforts, technical support to assist with the development of our secure platform, and the nine-month workshop to optimize every aspect of the organization would be incredibly valuable in furthering our mission.

In response to the challenges faced by the CTI team in Afghanistan, particularly regarding the transfer of funds due to the economic crisis and banking restrictions, the organization has turned to cryptocurrency as a solution. By utilizing blockchain technology and stablecoins, CTI can navigate the volatile economy more effectively and ensure sustained operations. Cryptocurrency offers a decentralized and borderless means of transferring funds, bypassing traditional banking systems and their associated challenges.

In addition to facilitating fund transfers, CTI is leveraging its technical expertise to develop a comprehensive platform tailored to the needs of its educational initiatives in Afghanistan. This platform prioritizes privacy and operates efficiently in low-bandwidth environments, catering to the realities of the region. Moreover, by ensuring accessibility via mobile devices, CTI can significantly expand its outreach, reaching more Afghan girls and providing them with coding education opportunities.

The technical details of the platform may include features such as end-to-end encryption for privacy, optimization for low-bandwidth connections, and a user-friendly interface optimized for mobile devices. These features collectively enhance the effectiveness of CTI's educational efforts and empower more girls to pursue careers in technology.

Beyond the technical aspects, CTI also utilizes a suite of software solutions including Google Suite, Zoom, and Instagram to coordinate activities and raise awareness of its organization. These tools enable efficient communication and collaboration across different time zones, facilitating the execution of initiatives and expanding the reach of CTI's message.

Overall, CTI's integrated approach underscores its commitment to leveraging technology for social impact, particularly in addressing the multifaceted challenges of girls' education in Afghanistan. By combining innovative solutions with strategic partnerships and a dedication to inclusivity, CTI aims to create positive change and empower Afghan girls to thrive in the field of technology.

Code to Inspire (CTI) expects its solution to have a significant impact on the problem of restricted educational opportunities for Afghan women and girls through a clear theory of change. By providing coding, graphic design, and mobile app development courses, CTI equips women and girls with valuable digital skills that are in high demand globally. Additionally, by offering a safe and supportive remote learning environment, CTI overcomes barriers to access faced by Afghan women and girls, ensuring they can participate in educational opportunities despite cultural and geographical challenges. Moreover, CTI connects Afghan women and girls with global tech communities, fostering networks and opportunities for collaboration and growth. These activities are expected to yield immediate outputs, such as women and girls gaining proficiency in digital skills and building connections within the tech industry. In the longer term, CTI anticipates outcomes including increased employability and economic empowerment for women and girls, as well as societal changes towards greater gender equality and economic development in Afghanistan. This theory of change is supported by evidence from CTI's programs, demonstrating tangible outcomes such as job placements and entrepreneurship ventures, as well as third-party research affirming the positive impact of CTI's initiatives on women's empowerment in Afghanistan. Through its comprehensive approach, CTI aims to drive lasting change, transforming the lives of Afghan women and girls and contributing to the country's progress and development.

Code to Inspire’s primary goals are to bridge the education gap, empower Afghan women, and foster economic growth. CTI's foremost goal is to bridge the education gap among the female population in Afghanistan who are forbidden to attend school. Our initiative offers free, high-quality, and practical education to individuals who have been denied access to vital learning opportunities. By equipping our students with these coding, graphic design, and related business skills, we empower them to participate and prosper in the digital economy. 

To measure impact, we will employ a combination of quantitative and qualitative indicators, ensuring scientific rigor and comprehensive evaluation. Quantitative data will include metrics such as enrollment and retention rates, platform utilization statistics, educational milestones achieved by participants, and post-education opportunities and compensation levels attained by graduates. These metrics will provide tangible evidence of the program's effectiveness in empowering Afghan women and girls with digital skills and subsequent economic opportunities. Qualitative proof points will be gathered through graduate testimonials and feedback from both students and employees, providing insights into the program's broader impact on participants' lives and their communities. This qualitative data will complement the quantitative metrics, offering a deeper understanding of the program's outcomes and areas for improvement.

Methodologies for data collection will include analytics tools for tracking platform usage and educational progress, surveys to gather feedback from participants and stakeholders, and structured interviews or focus groups to capture nuanced insights and experiences. Continuous monitoring will allow for real-time adjustments to the program based on emerging trends and feedback.

The technology implemented by Code to Inspire (CTI) incorporates a comprehensive Learning Management System (LMS) designed to empower Afghan women and girls with digital skills and educational opportunities. For learners, the platform offers a self-paced curriculum, allowing them to access course materials and engage in activities at their convenience. Learners can track their progress throughout the course, viewing completed modules, assignments submitted, and grades received. Upon completing each curriculum, learners receive certifications, either through credible third-party testing platforms or endorsed exams by companies such as Google. Interactive discussion forums enable learners to collaborate, ask questions, and discuss course-related topics, fostering engagement and peer learning. Instructors, on the other hand, have tools for course creation, content management, communication, and assessment creation. They can personalize the course layout, set up automated notifications, and integrate with other educational tools or resources. The system ensures security, privacy, and user roles, with administrators overseeing these aspects. Data analysis tools allow for the collection and analysis of various metrics, such as course completion rates, engagement metrics, assessment performance, and learner feedback. This comprehensive technology infrastructure enables CTI to provide a robust learning experience for Afghan women and girls, fostering their economic and social empowerment through digital skills education.

9 Full-time staff.

1 Part-time staff.

3 board members.

Some volunteers/interns depending on the need.

Fereshteh founded Code to Inspire in 2015. It has been an ongoing solution for 9 years.

Similarly to MIT Solve, CTI has a fundamental commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, which is reflected in both our team and mission. Our leadership team is made up of 60% women, 20% refugees, and 60% minority groups. Our team on the ground is made up of 40% women and are all Afghan. 

At its core, CTI’s initiatives address systemic barriers faced by Afghan women and girls, who are marginalized and disenfranchised in Afghan society. By providing a technical education, the school expands access to education and employment opportunities for girls, challenging traditional gender norms and promoting diversity in the technology sector. Through job placement programs and partnerships with technology companies, CTI facilitates pathways for girls to secure employment, thus promoting economic equity and empowering them to play a driving role in decision-making within their households and communities.

CTI plays a crucial role in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion by providing girls with access to education, employment opportunities, and economic equity. Through education, empowerment, and economic participation, the school empowers girls to challenge traditional gender norms, assert their agency, and drive positive change in their households and communities, thus laying the foundation for a more inclusive and equitable society.

As a nonprofit organization, Code to Inspire (CTI) operates on a mission-driven business model focused on empowering Afghan women and girls through education and digital skills training. CTI's primary beneficiaries are Afghan women and girls who face significant barriers to accessing quality education and economic opportunities due to cultural norms and restrictions. CTI provides these beneficiaries with a range of products and services, including coding boot camps, workshops, and courses tailored to their needs, delivered through a user-friendly online learning platform. By offering remote learning opportunities, CTI enables women and girls to overcome cultural and geographical barriers, empowering them to gain valuable digital skills and pursue careers in the tech industry. Additionally, CTI facilitates networking and mentorship opportunities, connecting participants with global tech communities to further their professional development. Through certifications and endorsements from industry partners, CTI validates the skills of its participants and enhances their employability in the tech sector. Afghan women and girls value these offerings as they provide pathways to economic independence, social empowerment, and increased agency in their communities. Ultimately, CTI's business model aims to create a sustainable impact by equipping Afghan women and girls with the tools and resources they need to thrive in the digital age, contributing to their individual success and the overall development of Afghanistan.

Since its establishment in 2015, Code to Inspire has demonstrated remarkable resilience in navigating economic uncertainties, including the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the Taliban takeover in 2021. Throughout these trials, the CTI team has managed to keep the school operational, overcoming economic ups and downs with unwavering dedication. Leveraging its extensive network and dedicated team, CTI has successfully gained and continues to seek access to catalytic capital, which has been instrumental in sustaining the organization, paying team wages, and furthering CTI’s reach and mission.

One of the key strategies employed by CTI to secure funding has been its focus on cultivating relationships with donors, resulting in a robust network of repeat donors. More than 40% of the school's donations since inception have come from repeat donors, illustrating CTI's effectiveness in keeping donors engaged and motivated to contribute continuously. The top two donors have contributed five times, signaling CTI's success in maintaining strong connections with donors and re-engaging them for additional support.

Furthermore, CTI has attracted support from a diverse range of donors, including large tech companies such as Coinbase, Google, and GitHub, as well as foundations like The Blossom Hill Foundation and The Asia Foundation. This broad spectrum of support underscores the team's ability to handle deep diligence from various types of prospective donors and highlights CTI's credibility and impact within the philanthropic community. In addition to securing funding, CTI has also demonstrated the tangible impact of its work through the completion of more than $60,000 worth of projects by the girls at the school. These projects not only showcase the girls' technical skills but also serve as a testament to the transformative power of coding education in empowering Afghan women and girls.

Moving forward, CTI remains steadfast in its commitment to growing its fundraising engine and attracting more catalytic capital to support more students and expand its impact. By leveraging its network, cultivating relationships with donors, and demonstrating the tangible outcomes of its programs, CTI continues to pave the way for a brighter future for Afghan girls.