Asadullah Wants to Leverage His Business Degree to Contribute to the Economic Development of Afghanistan

Asadullah Jafari P. grew up in a small, remote village nestled in the foothills of Daykundi province in central Afghanistan. His childhood was deeply shaped by the close-knit community and the landscape surrounding their village. His family lived a simple life, primarily relying on local farming and livestock. Much of his childhood was spent herding sheep for his parents, taking them to graze in the mountains.  

At that time, there were hardly any schools—not just in their village, but in the entire province. “Children like me only received informal religious education during the winter months in the village mosques. Our winter teachers were local mullahs who taught only religious subjects, not the formal school curriculum. It wasn’t until the early years of President Hamid Karzai’s government, around 2001–2002, that a formal school was started in our village with the support of UNICEF. More individuals like me were able to enroll and complete primary and secondary education there,” he shares. 

From a young age, Asadullah was captivated by the stories of his ancestors, the rich history of his land, and the cultural traditions that passed through generations. These stories, often shared around the communal hearth, instilled in him a deep thirst for knowledge. However, the Taliban rule changed everything for many learners like him.  

“The Taliban’s education restrictions in Afghanistan have negatively impacted everyone, including male learners. They banned girls’ education beyond sixth grade, dismissed female teachers, and introduced damaging changes to the entire system. Students have been subjected to physical, mental, and emotional abuse, with reports of beatings increased.” 

Asadullah is now an immigrant in Iran, where he finds himself relatively safer, but he misses his homeland dearly. He hopes to return to his village someday. 

Why did he choose to study at University of the People? “Earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from UoPeople was a decision driven by both necessity and ambition. I learned about UoPeople through a web article that highlighted its mission of offering accessible and affordable education, especially to refugees and underserved communities. While traditional universities were either inaccessible or prohibitively expensive, UoPeople offered a flexible, affordable, and accredited alternative that perfectly aligned with my circumstances. The university’s commitment to democratizing education deeply resonated with me, as it stood in stark contrast to the regressive forces in Afghanistan. I transferred several of my previous college credits. The process was straightforward, and the admissions team was very supportive. I would recommend this option to others who have previous college-level credits.”  

Asadullah describes his journey with UoPeople as truly “transformative.” He believes the diverse peer community at the university has enriched his learning experience and provided him with a global perspective on business and management. “Although the program is challenging, it has equipped me with essential skills and knowledge, nurtured critical thinking, and emphasized practical application. Every assignment, discussion, and interaction has reinforced my belief in the power of education to change lives and uplift communities. Our instructors are very supportive—always willing to help us excel.” 

Upon graduation, Asadullah plans to leverage his business degree to contribute to the economic development of Afghanistan and other developing nations. He aims to establish and support businesses that create job opportunities for youth and stimulate growth in local, national, and international communities. “I also aspire to advocate for educational reform to ensure that future generations—especially girls, women, children, and marginalized groups have the opportunity to learn and succeed.”  

Asadullah currently runs an online and virtual educational academy called Mohajir Academy. In collaboration with volunteer teachers, this initiative provides online education services to migrants, children, and girls who have been deprived of education in Afghanistan and Iran. He sees education as a fundamental human right, especially for those stuck in armed conflict, internal strife, migration, or poverty. “These vulnerable individuals must be granted access to learning in every possible way, and national and international educational institutions must support these marginalized communities.” 

While the path ahead is undoubtedly filled with challenges for Asadullah, his education at UoPeople is preparing him to face them with confidence and resilience. His journey has been all about overcoming obstacles, embracing opportunities, and not losing faith in the transformative power of education. “I am filled with hope and determination to create meaningful change in the realms of education, development, and business in my homeland,” he adds with a smile.  

As a university with a mission to make quality higher education accessible for learners like him, we are filled with pride at Asadullah’s progress. We wish him all the best for everything he wants to accomplish in life.