Afghanistan's Short Story Competition
A Thousand Voices
Every voice
Our mission
Afghan stories, told by the people who live them
At A Thousand Voices, every story begins with an Afghan voice.
For too long, Afghanistan has been written about by outsiders. We give Afghan youth, at home and across the diaspora, the space to tell their own stories, in their own words, about identity, resilience, and home.
Writing is only the beginning. Through mentorship, publication, and our upcoming anthology, young writers grow in confidence, find a community of readers, and carry their voices further than they ever imagined.
Our journey, from first draft to book
Sep 2025
Story submissions open to Afghan youth
Dec 15, 2025
Regular submissions closed
Jan 2026
Pre-selection of writers
Feb–Mar 2026
Second round of selection and interviews
Dec 2026
Publishing and book launch
Mentorship and other programs
“If culture was a house, then language was the key to the front door, to all the rooms inside. Without it, you ended up on the street, outside, without shelter. You became an observer rather than a participant in the story.”— Khaled Hosseini
Afghan Diaspora Across the World
Explore geographic distribution, migration waves, and cultural impact across time.
Become an A Thousand Voices Partner
Looking to make a global impact? Partner with us and help amplify Afghan voices while building meaningful connections across cultures.