My name is Donya Hussain Yar, and I am 16 years old. I was born in the middle of winter, and my mother always tells me that it was the coldest winter the city had ever seen. The meaning of my name is "world," and I like it because I see a different meaning in it. To me, my name means “the freest life and person.”

I was a free girl, studying in 8th grade, working hard to chase my dreams and figure out who I wanted to become. I was always curious about the kind of person I would be in the future. When I was younger, I often imagined having a time-travel machine that could take me forward to see myself as an independent, free woman.

In 2021, when the Taliban took over the country, I remember every feeling, the fear of the future, the heartbreak of losing my dreams, after they banned us from going to school. The word “free” is short and simple to write, but after that day, it became my biggest dream and deepest wish.

All educational places were closed for girls, and we were forced to stay home all the time. The only thing that helped me the most, and gave me a reason not to lose hope or stop smiling, was my painting. Every time I paint, I escape into my imaginary world, which I call Donya's World. Donya’s World is a place where I don’t think about my problems. It’s a place where I can do whatever I want. Painting has given me the peace I’ve needed since childhood.

I started painting when I was 9 years old. It was during our winter break, and my mother told me to take a class. I decided to join a painting class. My painting teacher was an old man named محمد علی. After two months of going to class, one day my teacher came to me and asked, “Why do you paint?” It was an unexpected question, and I was shocked. I said, “Because I like it and it’s fun.” He smiled and said, “You have to find your reason. If you don’t have a reason, then find something you do have a reason for.” I loved painting, but I didn’t really know why I loved it so much.

It took a long time, but I finally found my reason during the most difficult times of my life. I paint because painting is my peace and my safe place. But this safe place has been taken away from many people in Afghanistan.

There are no opportunities for girls to paint, and we are not allowed to paint in public, but I am fighting for the only peace I have left, the only color in my life. My paintings are my power. I will do everything not to lose that.

My biggest dream is to become a professional painter and help other Afghan artists who are facing the same challenges as me. I want to open my own galleries around the world and share our beautiful culture and the many breathtaking places in Afghanistan. Your single act of support will help me on this journey toward becoming the person I dream of being.