I have a dream that one day the streets of Kabul will be washed by rain and water, not by the blood of those who sacrifice themselves for peace.
I have a dream that one day Afghanistan will have female presidents and they will not be judged by their sex, but by their intelligence.
I have a dream that one day Afghanistan will have factories that make steel and other countries won’t come to Afghanistan and steal our minerals.
I have a dream that each kid in my country can go to school, whether they are girls or boys.
In twenty years, I want to be a successful writer. I would like to write like the famous writers of books in the school library—books that make me read until the middle of night, like “City of Ember” by Jeanne DuPrau. It almost made me late for school.
I want to be an author whose books will be simple to understand, but huge in size and readers will read a bit and then want to read more and more. And from my books they will know about Afghanistan, what problems we faced and how war was normal for us.
After I write books about Afghanistan and many other stories, I want my family to be proud of me.
I want each member of my family to be educated and think deeply about how to make a peaceful Afghanistan. I want each family in Afghanistan to live in peace and I don’t want their sons to die sacrificing themselves for peace in this country.
I don’t want the Taliban to come back. I don’t want to forget my dreams. I pray for God not to bring back those people who misuse the name of Islam.
By Asma M., age 13
Please know that many, many readers and teachers and friends and family are proud of you, Asma. Your dreams are beautiful. Your dreams are glorious. Keep dreaming them. Keep visualizing. And when you feel safe, write them down, keep them close to your heart. And when you feel safe, share them. Dreaming, thinking, writing, sharing when you can…this is the way to build the beautiful future. Keep up the excellent work. Stacy
Brilliant job, Keep it up Asma!
Uzma
Reallly beautiful Asma Jan and I believe that you have talent to write beautiful stories .
Asma Jan, with hope and vision like yours, the future is in brave, beautiful hands. Keep those wonderful hands writing. Keep that vision in your heart but share it with the world. What you have written has touched my heart and has the power to move many.
My prayers are with you
Julia
I know is ambition of all Afghan people and I hope one day it comes true my dear sister.
Dear Asthma — You have such a clear vision of how you want the future to be that I hope you will continue to write about your dreams and guide others to have the same hopes and dreams. I think you have a promising future as a writer who can tell the world about her country. Don’t ever let go of that dream. That’s how wonderful things happen. Best wishes, Nancy
Dear Asma – I am so eager to read your books! It sounds as if you like to read the same kind of books as my son, Malcolm, who is also 13. When I was your age, I wrote stories and plays and tried to write a novel, but I had a hard time writing about real life when I hadn’t lived much yet. But if you keep writing, you’ll find that one day the novel is there inside you. Please keep writing, and share more with us!
Best wishes,
Carrie La Seur
Asma – I have a dream that your dreams will come true. Please keep reading and writing, you will bring yourself much joy and make your family proud too! Thank you so much for sharing. Amy
Asma,
Thank you for sharing your dreams with all of us! You are so sincere and passionate. I have faith in you that you will be able to realize your dreams and more in your lifetime.
Robin
Thank you so much! I need all of your prayers for making my dreams true and making everyone in my country to realize this dream.
With much Love
Asma M
Dear Asma, This brought tears to my eyes and a big lump in my throat. We Americans sympathize a great deal with the woman of Afghanistan, but have little real sense of what you are truly suffering. Writers like you will teach us. Writers like you will not let us forget. You have a gift. Continue to use it. I am a writer, too, and I believe that I was led to do this. Keep on writing, keep on teaching us. I know you will be a powerful voice.
Dear asma,
I knew someone named asma once; she was nice, and very quiet. I like to read too! I used to read all night, until my mom got mad at me for waking up late. Your writing will inspire many young girls to stand up for their rights in Afghanistan, and other countries. How old were you when you learned how to read? How has the war affected your school? My English teacher once told me the best writers are also great readers. Keep reading and writing!
Cameron
Highschool student, texas
Hi Cameron,
Asma is a very famous name between Muslims, I guess that’s why it is my name 😉 i love writing but often I get lazy but I won’t stop writing, and this essay is not only about my dreams but about people realizing how important it is to me. Right now, I am in new York preparing to go to school in Oregon for high school which is of clouse far. I stated leaning since I was 4 and then I went to school just like normal kids, there is no difference.
Asma
Asma, I pray that you will go forward with your dreams and that you never give up, even if someone tries to take away your rights. You are an independent and strong young lady and soon everyone will learn to find their own ways just like you did. One day there will be no more war and just peace. No more blood on the streets, no such thing as violence. Just a peaceful place where you can read or write a book. Soon you will be graduated from college and all your family members will be highly educated and smart just like you. There will be a better life in the future. All things happen for a reason and soon you will forget that a country like yours ever had war. I look forward to read one of your books in the future. You really inspired me to be a better person and be thankful for my life.
Asama, your writing has touched me in such a way that words cannot explain. Through your writing I was able to imagine the many hopes and dreams of your country. Hopes and dreams that will bring liberty and joy. Streets where life can be free to roam, not bloodshed and tears. When I read that you dream to become a writer that inspires I felt that we have a similar dream. I dream to become a software developer which requires imagination to create something that people can enjoy and share just as writing does. If you don’t mind me asking, are you able to attend some type of school? Also, has the war made you unable to walk your streets safely? Thank you so much for writing this inspirational piece of art, I wish for the hopes and dreams of you and many others to be fulfilled to bring peace.
dear Asma hello i am 15 and i believe in you you and i have something we sare the love books i read as many books as i can everyday my life is different but the small thing can change the world like tow little girls with dreams and hopes so i hope to read your story and i hope things go well
your truly
LIONKID
Good job
Your writing is very inspirational to other girls
amazing story it affected so many people
Dear, Asma
I loved your poem so much! It was so creative! I am so glad most girls are allowed to go to school now it is so important that girls go to school!
Loved your speech it was so awesome!
Asma,
I love these poems! Im glad that you are so happy! keep following your dreams!
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Good job! I am looking forward to read your book!
I hope you have a good year at your new school and I am touched by your story.
Asma, I like your poem. I think it will inspire lots of people to give people in Afghanistan basic human rights. Its a nice poem anyway. Thank you for helping millions of people throughout the world.
Dear Asma,
I think your writing is amazing and inspiring. You write beautiful poems that talk about real life problems.
wow thats insane for you to be able to write that at such a young age ( well… i’m ten but still for something that inspirational is pretty awesome to be able to write that at 13). I totally think you are going to be a writer. 🙂
Asma,
That was a very heartfelt inspirational poem great job! 🙂
Hi Asma. I loved your poem, and I got inspiration from it. I think that it’s important that girls should go to school and have equal rights. A girl should not have to worry about getting seen or getting shot like Malala on the way or coming home from school. Girls should not have to sneak into school dressed like a boy. I love how you stand up for girls around the world, and I agree that girls need to be treated the right way. I am only 10 years old, and I understand what is happening in the world. I too think it is important to do whatever we can in the world. I will do whatever I can to help.
Talk to you later,
AB