Afghan education activist vows to expand efforts for children in remote and conflict-affected areas
Afghan education activist and founder of the Pen Path organization, Matiullah Wesa, says receiving the “Freedom 2026” award in France will further motivate him and his team to expand their efforts for children who remain deprived of education.
In a message shared on X, Matiullah Wesa said he advanced to the final stage of the award among 951 candidates from 75 countries and won the prize after receiving thousands of votes.
He stated that his team has spent the past 16 years working to support education for children in war-affected regions and has established primary schools for girls in remote areas where no schools previously existed.
Wesa thanked those who supported their activities, voted for him, and attended the award ceremony.
He wrote: “This award increases our responsibility toward vulnerable children who are still deprived of their right to education.”
The Afghan activist added that the financial support accompanying the prize would be used to expand educational opportunities and build schools in underserved areas.
Matiullah Wesa also expressed hope that one day no child would be deprived of education because of war or other hardships and that peace would prevail in Afghanistan and beyond.