In brief
Razia Jan, an inspiring figure dedicated to girls' education in Afghanistan, passed away on July 20 at 81. After establishing the Zabuli Education Center near Kabul, her legacy endures as the school continues to operate despite challenges under Taliban rule.
Razia Jan, an Afghan-born U.S. citizen and entrepreneur, passed away on July 20 at her home in Los Angeles at the age of 81 due to congestive heart failure. Jan, who previously ran a dry-cleaning business in Massachusetts, made a historic return to Afghanistan after the 9/11 attacks, where she dedicated her life to educating girls against tremendous odds. In the wake of the Taliban's return to power, she remained steadfast in her mission to keep the Zabuli Education Center alive— a vital institution she founded outside Kabul. Jan's journey began when she became an unofficial ambassador for Afghanistan post-2001, holding community discussions and raising awareness about her native country. Alongside her philanthropic efforts, she helped 9/11 victims and established connections with other humanitarian workers.Her pivotal decision to open a school for girls in rural Afghanistan came after her first visit home in over three decades. With financial support, she acquired land in Deh’Subz and set in motion the creation of a school that would eventually serve hundreds of students. Securing community support was no small feat in a region where female education was historically suppressed. Jan's charm and resourcefulness—along with her fluency in various regional languages—allowed her to build trust with local patriarchs, ensuring the safety and growth of the school.The Zabuli Education Center opened its doors in 2009 with over 100 students and continued expanding its offerings year after year. Jan’s innovative teaching techniques focused on navigating local customs, allowing girls to stay engaged in education even as they faced societal pressures. In 2021, despite undergoing severe restrictions including the prohibition against girls being educated past sixth grade, Jan successfully enrolled hundreds of girls into the educational program.Born on June 5, 1944, in Quetta, present-day Pakistan, Jan came from an affluent background, receiving her education in early childhood development before relocating to Massachusetts. Throughout her life, she advocated for education, women’s health, and community awareness, earning recognition as a hero in her endeavors. In 2012, she was honored by CNN for her humanitarian work.Jan is survived by her son, Lars, a brother, and a granddaughter. Her exemplary commitment to uplifting Afghan girls through education will be remembered as a beacon of hope in challenging times.
