THE RWANDAN government will host dozens of Afghan schoolgirls who are seeking to be relocated after the Taliban took control of the country last week.

The founder of the School of Leadership, Afghanistan (SOLA), Shabana Basij-Rasikh said 250 students from the school were en-route to Rwanda via Qatar to participate in a “semester abroad” for every student.

News Central reported that the students plan to only resettle in the country temporarily for a semester and return to Afghanistan when circumstances allow them to.

“Last week, we completed the departure from Kabul of nearly 250 students, faculty, staff, and family members. Everyone is en route, by way of Qatar, to the nation of Rwanda where we intend to begin a semester abroad for our entire student body,” said Basij-Rasikh.

“So many individuals played key roles in our departure, and while I can’t thank you all here, I want to publicly offer my gratitude to the governments of Qatar, Rwanda, and the United States for their critical assistance.

“SOLA is resettling, but our resettlement is not permanent. A semester abroad is exactly what we’re planning. When circumstances on the ground permit, we hope to return home to Afghanistan. For now, I request privacy for our community.

“My heart breaks for my country. I’ve stood in Kabul, and I’ve seen the fear, and the anger, and the ferocious bravery of the Afghan people. I look at my students, and I see the faces of the millions of Afghan girls, just like them, who remain behind.

“Those girls cannot leave, and you cannot look away. If there’s one thing I ask of the world, it is this: do not avert your eyes from Afghanistan. Don’t let your attention wander as the weeks pass. See those girls, & in doing so you will hold those holding power over them to account.”

Thousands of Afghans have grown desperate to flee their country as they fear the prospect of living under Taliban rule almost 20 years since it was ousted by US government intervention.

The Taliban have previously enforced a strict version of Islamic law – often prohibiting the basic rights of womena and girls – when they held power in Afghanistan before 2001.

As Biden announced the withdrawal of US troops, they swiftly regained control of the country and its major cities more than a week ago.

“My commitment to the women and girls of my country, just like my commitment to my students, is unwavering. They are the fires that will never go out,” said Basij-Rasikh. “Finally, I want to thank you all for the outpouring of love and support.”