Saliha Mohammadi

My name is Saliha Muhammadi. I am 19 years old and I live in a middle-class family in Kabul, Afghanistan. My family is from Ghanzi province, but I was born in Kabul, where my parents moved to find work. I graduated high school and am now a student in the third semester of Economics BBA at University.

I am involved in many social activities. In 2017 I joined a team called Ascend, I did various activities there, like rock climbing, hiking, yoga, fitness. My 2 years with Ascend was the first time I had been part of a community outside of school. It inspired me to do more, so in 2018, I joined my high school’s Volleyball team and Cycling teams. In addition to sports, with Ascend I also participated in programs learning about Psychology, Leadership, and effective communication. I greatly enjoyed these activities and programs. During this time I also volunteered in the Women’s Garden (a space for women to gather and learn computers, use a library and take skills classes) and teaching volleyball to other girls. Through these experiences I was able to find self confidence by being part of a team. I was also able to become a strong girl.

Before I came to the Ascend team, I had never traveled without my family. When I joined this team I had many trips without my family in the provinces. My first trip was to Panjshir province. I was with the team for one week camping, and after that I traveled to Panjshir and Bamyan provinces several times, camping and hiking. It was at the end of 2018 when during a training I fell down and suffered a head injury. After that I could not continue my training and I took a long time off from activities and my lessons. When I was healed again, I continued my lesson but I could not continue my training.  I was very upset that I could not go to Ascend again.

Since 2019, I have been in therapy with a psychologist, who has helped me learn a great deal about taking care of myself mentally and emotionally. She, along with my older sister Mariam, encouraged me to start drawing classes as an outlet for my stress. I started drawing and painting in 2019 and it continues until now.

I am very grateful to those who always help me and support me, including my lovely sister, and the other women who help me always. They have helped make me a strong girl.

Hear more from this artist in her Musings.