Zahra Abdul Razaq – a 17-year-old Afghan expatriate residing in the UAE – has made headlines by achieving the highest score in Mass Media studies in the CBSE board examinations.
Hailing from Kabul but raised in Dubai, Zahra’s academic excellence and ambition to pursue a career in journalism have garnered attention and admiration.
Despite the challenges faced by Afghan women and girls in accessing education due to extremist restrictions, Zahra’s family’s decision to relocate to the UAE has opened doors of opportunity for her.
With an impressive overall score of 93 percent in the CBSE exams, Zahra’s achievement reflects her dedication and academic prowess.
In an interview with Khaleej Times, Zahra expressed her excitement about her academic success and her plans for the future. She aims to pursue higher education in journalism or mass media in Dubai, with a heartfelt desire to give back to the country where she was born and raised.
Zahra’s passion for storytelling extends beyond academics, as she aspires to cover stories from her native Afghanistan, shedding light on the challenges faced by girls denied access to education in her homeland. Additionally, Zahra is a published author, with her book “Secrets of Teens” delving into the experiences of a girl navigating immigration.
Acknowledging the role of her family and school in shaping her journey, Zahra attributes her success to her parents’ unwavering support and her grandparents’ advocacy for education.
Grateful for the opportunities afforded to her, Zahra expresses her appreciation for her school and teachers, emphasizing the importance of education and enlightenment instilled in her by her upbringing.
