Aqeela Asifi began teaching other Afghan refugees in Pakistan 23 years ago. Now, as she tells Shaimaa Khalil, some of her former pupils have started their own school. The UN has recognised Ms Asifi's dedication with the 2015 Nansen Refugee Award.
Aqeela Asifi's passion for education is evident in everything she says.
"I've always wanted to be a teacher. I was inspired by my own teachers," Ms Asifi recalls.
"I was lucky to be born in a very enlightened and liberal family. My parents were very supportive of my and my siblings' education."
It was also a different time in Afghanistan when she was growing up she said.
"Kabul was prosperous, vibrant city there was no difference in the way men and women were treated. I lived in a time in Afghanistan that many haven't seen."
Ms Asifi became a teacher of history and geography.