There’s a village in Mazar called Fadak. I’ve visited it many times, and I’ve always admired how hardworking the people are, many of them spend their days working in the farmlands. One day during my visit, I met a single mother and her children. They were living in deep poverty. The mother worked tirelessly on other people’s farmland just to provide for her kids. Despite her struggles, her greatest dream was for her children to go to school. Speaking with them stirred something deep in my heart. I couldn’t forget the look in her eyes or the quiet strength in her voice. I felt a strong urge to paint that moment, not just to remember it myself, but to share her story and her dream with the world.

Artwork by Farhat Darwish