The Taliban thought they could stop my artistic journey, but I am still on my path - now toward York University in Canada to study Visual Arts.

Who I Am and My Journey

My name is Nargis Ehsan, a 23-year-old artist from Afghanistan. I started attending art classes in 2017, when I was in ninth grade at school, and what began as a new passion in my life continued until I later enrolled at the Institute of Fine Arts in Kabul.

However, only one week after my enrollment in 2022, the Taliban closed the institution for girls. Still, as part of my positive spirit, this could not stop me.

After that, I continued taking private art classes for six months before coming to Asian University for Women (AUW) in Bangladesh, on a full scholarship in 2023. Even though AUW did not offer a Fine Arts major, I chose to study there because having an education - any education - was better than being forced to stop learning. I am deeply grateful to AUW and everything it has given me during this journey.

From the very first days at AUW, I met people who believed in me and supported me in ways I will never forget. I honestly cannot imagine how different my life here would have been if I had not met Mrs. Tapu, Sir Cyrus, and Ms. Sanju. When I shared my worries about starting this GoFundMe campaign, Ms. Sanju told me, “I think everything is worth trying. There are a lot of supportive people in the world.” Those words stayed with me - and they are the reason I am here, taking this step today.

Since 2023, through the support of my mentors and the AUW community, I have used every possible resource - internet access, university facilities, networking, and mentorship - to continue developing as an artist alongside my academic studies.

After completing two years of pre-undergraduate studies and one year of undergraduate study, I saved enough money to take the TOEFL exam and apply to two universities. I am now proud to share that I have received an offer of admission from York University, Canada, to study Fine Arts / Studio BFA (Visual Arts) starting September 2026. This opportunity means everything to me.

Why I Am on GoFundMe

I tried every possible option before coming to GoFundMe. I contacted many organizations to ask about funding opportunities. Unfortunately, I did not receive any promising responses. Now, GoFundMe is my last option to try to secure funding for my dream of studying Fine Arts.

I don’t want this campaign to be only about the hardships I come from. I want people to see my work, my effort, and my commitment, and to support me because they believe in my potential - not because they feel sorry for my past. I am simply asking for a chance for my talent to grow and to flourish at a university like York.

Why I Need Help

York University has offered me admission along with a $2,500 CAD scholarship. I will also contribute approximately $1000 CAD from my personal savings, which I earned through my small art business. Unfortunately, as a transfer student, I was not eligible for additional major scholarships.

Since coming to AUW, I have been supporting myself financially. My family is unable to help with this cost, as it is a large amount and they are currently living in Iran without legal status.

To obtain a Canadian study permit, I must show the embassy that I can cover at least my first-year expenses, and I need to apply by mid to late March. These financial requirements are the final barrier standing between me and this opportunity.

I need to raise the equivalent of £34,000 GBP ($63,056 CAD), which will cover:

• Tuition: $38,300

• Housing & meals: $7,500

• Books & personal expenses: $16,500

• Health insurance: $756

How the Funds Will Be Managed

As Bangladesh is not a supported country on GoFundMe, the funds will be received by Ms. Sanju in the United Kingdom, who has kindly agreed to act as the organizer and beneficiary of this campaign. All donations will be transferred to her UK bank account in accordance with GoFundMe’s policies. She will then directly pay my tuition fees to York University and support the necessary education-related expenses on my behalf. This process will be fully transparent, and the funds will be used only for my academic costs.

Why Supporting Me Matters (my achievements)

My Persian Miniature Painting class:

One of my murals:

My art featured in Unspoken Magazine:

My painting of Bamiyan, Afghanistan:

The products I make and sell in my small art business:

My offer letter from York University, Canada:

How Your Support Will Help Me Grow

Studying Fine Arts in Canada will allow me to finally receive the formal education I was denied as a girl in Afghanistan. My long-term goal is to develop professionally as a painter, expand my art business globally, and support my family financially. Through my work, I also hope to advocate for women and displaced communities and help the people whose potential needs a chance to be proven - giving them not only a voice, but also a role model.

I have done everything in my power - academically, professionally, and personally - to reach this point. Now, I am asking for help to take this final step.

If you are unable to donate, sharing this campaign means just as much to me.

Thank you for believing in education, resilience, and the power of art.

Nargis Ehsan