Project - Bebe Khadija Jamdar Zamani School

Khadija Jamdar Zamani was born into a prominent family in Kunar, Afghanistan, and was the granddaughter of Ghazi Mir Zaman Khan, a hero who fought for Afghanistan’s independence. Her early life was marked by hardship—her family was exiled and imprisoned by King Zahir Shah, leading to the loss of 24 family members during their captivity. Despite these tragedies and growing up in a household that discouraged girls' education, Khadija bravely fought for her right to attend school. With persistence, she convinced her father and became one of the first girls in her family to pursue education, graduating high school in Herat in 1962 before moving to Kabul to begin her teaching career.

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In 1966, Khadija completed her teacher training and married Professor Qasim Jamdar, who supported her professional ambitions. She taught at various schools in Kabul and Jalalabad, specializing in history, geography, Pashto, and Dari. Even while raising six children, she remained committed to educating Afghan youth and was recognized multiple times as one of Afghanistan’s best teachers. Her career was impacted by the country's political instability, and in 1989, she fled the war-torn country with her children to Pakistan, later reuniting with her husband in Germany. There, they established a school to preserve Afghan culture, and Khadija became a pillar in the refugee community, teaching women and children about hygiene, language, and cultural integration.

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Known for her resilience, social spirit, and love for health and travel, Khadija was admired by her family and community. She visited numerous countries and held a deep love for Turkey and Germany. Although she faced limitations in Germany, including being denied a teaching role, she continued to educate others informally and raised six successful children. After surviving a near-fatal heart surgery in 1996, she lived until 2021. Her legacy is one of strength, education, and service—she wanted Afghan girls to have the same opportunities she fought for. Education remained her life’s mission, and her story is a powerful reminder of the enduring value of learning, family, and perseverance.