After 10 years, the girls school in Afghanistan, supported by Baraka Foundation,  has graduated its first students.

Eight girls finished high school this month, at the end of the academic year.

Five of them will sit for university entrance exams. Higher education in Afghanistan is free by a provision in the constitution.

A book scholarship fund will be set up for those who do go on to university.

[The girls were not photographed by request of their families.]

Baraka Foundation and its founder, Lisa Schnellinger, have been raising money for the school since 2003. Among the girls graduating are several who have attended since that time.