Nineteen Afghan female university students, whose education was abruptly halted by the Taliban, are now pursuing their dreams of becoming doctors in Scotland. This opportunity comes through a program established in memory of Linda Norgrove, a Scottish aid worker who was tragically killed in Afghanistan in 2010. The students have secured placements at prestigious Scottish medical schools, marking a significant step in their educational journeys.

Banin Sultani, one of the students, expressed her gratitude for the welcoming environment in Scotland, highlighting the stark contrast to her experiences under Taliban rule. She emphasized the importance of freedom, stating, \"The freedom is something that existed in the soul of every human,\" and noted that Scotland provides her with the opportunity to embrace that freedom fully.

Hajira Safi, another student, shared her heartbreak over being two years away from qualifying as a doctor when the Taliban canceled her studies. She described the Taliban's actions as a violation of basic human rights, underscoring the dire situation for women in Afghanistan.

The initiative to support these students was propelled by the Linda Norgrove Foundation, which successfully advocated for changes in Scottish education legislation to provide free tuition and living expenses for the Afghan students. Ellie Hothasol Davis, head of undergraduate medicine, expressed hope that the Taliban would recognize the value of educating women, stating that undermining this value is counterproductive.

Pana Mukit, a senior lecturer at St. Andrews Medical School, argued that the Taliban's interpretation of Islam is misguided, asserting that education for women is essential for the well-being of future generations. The students themselves conveyed a strong desire to return to Afghanistan to serve their communities, despite the challenges they face.

John and Lorna Norgrove, Linda's parents, have found purpose in their grief by supporting Afghan women and children through their charity. They expressed frustration over the Taliban's refusal to allow women to study medicine, noting the critical need for female doctors in Afghanistan.

The Norgrove Foundation continues to support the Afghan students, who are determined to make a difference in their homeland, embodying hope and resilience in the face of adversity.