The Founder

Professor Salar holds a Master’s degree in Political Science from the International University of Pune, India. His academic career includes serving as a Professor of Social Sciences at Herat University, one of Afghanistan’s most respected higher education institutions. His scholarly excellence earned him the DAAD doctoral scholarship from Germany, under which he is currently pursuing his Ph.D. in Political Science.

His teaching and academic focus span a range of disciplines, including political science, social theory, civic education, English, computer literacy, public speaking, and life skills. Throughout his career, he has authored and published several research papers and academic articles on sociopolitical issues, youth development, and education in Afghanistan.

 

Founder of the Afghan Youth Educational Movement

In response to the growing educational restrictions—particularly the Taliban’s ban on girls’ education—Professor Salar took decisive action by establishing a series of independent, online-based educational institutions. These collectively form what is now recognized as one of Afghanistan’s most significant educational initiatives outside of the formal government system.

He is the founder and visionary behind the Afghanistan Youth Foundation, which serves as the umbrella organization for multiple educational branches, including:

 

Youth Academy – A center for higher learning that provides academic programs equivalent to university-level education, aimed at preparing students for leadership roles in society.

Youth Institute – A research and training institute offering practical skill development in areas such as technology, entrepreneurship, and communications.

Youth School – An online school providing primary and secondary education, primarily for girls who have been denied access to public schools under Taliban rule.

Youth Civic Institution – A platform for civic education, youth dialogue, and social participation, aimed at fostering democratic values, human rights awareness, and active citizenship among Afghan youth.

Youth University (Online) – A digital higher education platform offering courses and degrees in collaboration with scholars from within and outside Afghanistan.

 

These institutions together educate thousands of students, many of whom are girls and women who have been marginalized by Afghanistan’s current political environment. The initiative has attracted experienced educators and university lecturers from across the country and the Afghan diaspora, making it one of the largest and most impactful grassroots educational projects in exile.

 

Social Leadership and Advocacy

In 2012, Professor Salar founded the Afghanistan Youth Foundation, laying the groundwork for what would become a nationwide (and now transnational) movement focused on youth empowerment. The Foundation has led numerous educational, cultural, and social campaigns to equip Afghan youth with knowledge, skills, and critical thinking tools essential for navigating their futures.

His work through the Afghan Youth Forum, an online platform for youth engagement and leadership training, has further amplified the voices of Afghan youth at a time when public discourse and activism are heavily suppressed.

 

Legacy and Impact

Professor Salar’s academic and social contributions are not only a response to Afghanistan’s crisis but also a proactive vision for the country’s future. He continues to serve as a mentor and leader to thousands of students across the globe. His initiatives have restored educational access to those systematically excluded and have created a replicable model for education under authoritarian constraints.

Through his perseverance, intellectual integrity, and community-based leadership, Professor Salar stands as a model of resistance and innovation in the service of education, justice, and youth empowerment in Afghanistan