Farzana Noori is a fourteen-year old girl who came to Mehan orphanage five years ago. In many ways she is a girl twice orphaned. When she was just a baby she lost her natural parents during the later stages of the civil war between the Mujahidin factions and the surging Taliban. A poverty-stricken couple in Kabul adopted her, but the reason for this adoption had only to do with the pressure families had put on them to have children when they could not. It was difficult to attach. This couple could not afford food and shelter for more than the two of them. When they discovered AFCECO it was a blessing, as they had little room in their lives for a growing girl. Farzana has a strong independent streak that has to do with her having to overcome many obstacles. She is striking in her looks, and people often comment that she could be in the movies. It is no coincidence she has excelled in drama club. She prepares for rehearsals like a pro, and takes her position very seriously. She is artistic as well, and has shown great poise when put on the spot in front of strangers.

A Canadian filmmaker doing a documentary on Afghan orphans singled Farzana out as having provided the most affecting interview she conducted her entire time in Kabul. Farzana went prime-time when the NBC Nightly News team visited Mehan. Two huge cameras and a famous American, journalist Brian Williams were not enough to shake Farzana’s poise. She speaks English well and works hard on her comprehension. There is no doubt in Mr. Williams’ mind one big reason there was such a huge outpouring of donations following his story was his interview with Farzana. Her smile, her stunning features grab the camera, but most impressive is the conviction in her voice, her passion for life and the future of Afghanistan. It is not a stretch to believe one day Farzana will combine her interests in journalism and live performance. I

n this case her interview with Brian becomes a very auspicious moment in her life. One day, as a young woman, she will not balk at difficulties, risks or a status-quo male dominated society. In an upcoming drama the orphans will perform for the American University in Kabul, Farzana will play Oceanus, the king of wide waters in an Afghan adaptation of Aeschylus’ famous tragedy, Prometheus Bound. She is deeply devoted to Mehan. As she said to the millions of American viewers, “This is my home.”