Hi! I'm Sloane Johnson, and I’m the founder of SAGE (Students for Afghan Girls' Education).​​​​​

​

​​​​​​​​​​I started this charity because I believe every girl deserves the right to go to school, no matter where she lives.

​

It all began when my parents and I watched a story on 60 Minutes about the United States' withdrawal from Afghanistan. The scenes of people desperately trying to leave the country were heart-wrenching, but what shocked me even more was learning that girls my age in Afghanistan are banned from going to school. If they try to get an education, their families could be criminally punished by the new government.

​

I couldn’t stop thinking about it. How could something as basic as going to school be illegal for girls? It felt so unfair, especially when I thought about how lucky I am to have so many education options here in the U.S.

​

The 60 Minutes story centered on an incredibly brave woman named Shabana Basij-Rasikh. She started SOLA, which stands for the School of Leadership Afghanistan. Shabana and her team helped many of their students and teachers escape Afghanistan when it became too dangerous for them to stay. I was so inspired by her courage and determination. I even got to meet her in person (photo above) and hear her speak about her mission when she accepted the National Geographic award for Explorer of the Year, the highest award given by National Geographic. It was a moving experience, and from that moment, I knew right then that I had to do something to help.

​

That’s how SAGE was born. Through SAGE, I’m raising awareness and funds to support girls in Afghanistan who are fighting for their right to learn. 100% of the funds donated to SAGE go directly to organizations that support girls’ education in Afghanistan, including SOLA. My goal is to make sure their voices are heard and to help them get the education they deserve. Together, we can make a difference, one girl at a time.

​

Since our goal is to spread the word about this important issue, we welcome any other students who want to help us. Please email me if you're interested in starting a chapter at your school. sloane@helpsage.org. 

​

Link to SOLA: https://www.sola-afghanistan.org/

Link to 60 Minutes story: https://www.sola-afghanistan.org/sola-on-60-minutes

​

​