Afghan woman arrives in Missoula to study at the U of M

A young woman from Afghanistan arrived in Missoula today to begin
her studies at The University of Montana on a full scholarship.

Sousan Rahimi, 24, from Kabul, is among five young Afghan women
who flew from Afghanistan to New York’s John F. Kennedy International
Airport on Saturday to pursue an American higher education. Accompanying
Rahimi to Missoula was Paula Nirschel, wife of the president of Roger
Williams University in Bristol, R.I.

Nirschel conceived a scholarship initiative to provide the gift of
education to Afghan women returning to school for the first time since
Taliban rule ended. In light of the degradation and isolation of women
during the former regime, the Nirschels thought it fitting to offer full
scholarships to Afghan women. Armed with an American education, the women
will return home after graduating to share their knowledge and skills.

"Afghan women were banned from nearly all trades and professions
and forbidden to attend school while the Taliban ruled the nation,"
Nirschel said.
After her husband, RWU President Roy J. Nirschel, made an appeal
to American college and university presidents, UM was among four
institutions to meet the challenge. The University will provide a full
scholarship covering tuition, fees, room and board for the duration of
Rahimi’s studies here. The UM Bookstore has provided a scholarship to cover
her books and supplies, and a UM Foundation account has been established
for her personal expenses.

Currently a freshman at Kabul University, Rahimi plans to study
English literature at UM. Her father is an English translator for
Afghanistan’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Besides UM and RWU, other institutions participating in the
program’s pilot are Notre Dame College in Ohio, the University of Hartford
in Connecticut and the University of Southern Oregon.

"The University of Montana is honored to be participating in this
scholarship program to assist young Afghan women in furthering their
education," said UM Vice President for Student Affairs Barbara Hollmann,
who arranged Rahimi’s studies here. "We’re excited to have an Afghan woman
on campus sharing her experiences with us. We hope that more colleges and
universities in the United States will join in the program."

Contact: Barbara Hollmann, vice president for student affairs, 243-5225.