Originally from a rural province in Afghanistan, Matiullah Wesa has been aware since childhood of the impact of extremism on access to education. When he was in Year 5, the school his father had built was set on fire by armed men. Forced to leave his region to continue his education, he decided at a very early age to make education his life’s work.

In 2009, with the help of his brother, he founded PenPath, a voluntary organisation dedicated to girls’ education and the defence of human rights. Today, the collective brings together more than 3,000 volunteers and operates in the most remote and conflict-affected areas. Thanks to its initiatives, more than 100,000 girls have gained access to education, notably through the creation of 42 local public libraries and the establishment of secret, mobile, online or home-based schools.

In addition to the educational facilities he has established, Matiullah Wesa is also carrying out important awareness-raising work. His campaigns for girls’ education, justice and human rights have reached over 9 million people across 370 districts in Afghanistan.

His commitment, however, has led to severe reprisals. In March 2023, he was arrested by the Taliban and detained for 215 days because of his campaign for education. Despite the threats, violence and numerous hardships he has endured over the years, he continues his work in Afghanistan to this day, convinced that education remains one of the key drivers for building a fairer and freer future.

By honouring Matiullah Wesa, the 2026 Freedom Prize highlights the courage of those who defend the fundamental right to education for all, sometimes at the risk of their own lives.