Palwasha Mirbacha

Education Specialist, World Bank Group - Afghanistan Country Office

alumni
Originally from
Kabul
Afghanistan
Currently living in
Kabul
Afghanistan

Palwasha Mirbacha is a graduate of the BSE Master's Program in International Trade, Finance, and Development. She has a Bachelor’s degree in economics and international relations from Simmons College (United States). Palwasha has been engaged in the area of development for over a decade. For the past six years she has occupied the position of Education Specialist with the World Bank Group. In this capacity, she is managing a multi-million profile in tertiary education, engaging with key sectorial ministries like the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Higher Education and Ministry of Labor of Afghanistan. She writes extensively and leads scientific research studies in the field of development to facilitate and influence good policy practices for improving service delivery and equipping the nation with better human capital in order top pave the path for young Afghans as more capable citizens.

In her personal capacity, Ms. Mirbacha coaches a group of young Afghan professionals from different walks of life as volunteers who work for the education of vulnerable children in orphanages, shelters and remote villages of the country, as well as developing children’s literature, in order to facilitate innovative educational material and approaches to mitigate challenges commonly prevailing in learning process of children. Together they aim to making it fun for the children to to learn and grow while mobilizing Afghan youth to take their part as informed citizens in the lives of those less fortunate. Her aim is to close the staggering gap in human development in her society and the country as a whole. In the future, she is determined to expand her work and also engage in area of special education as a philanthropist.

Interview

"It had been a long-term dream to get a job with the WBG for which I must have at least have a Master’s degree and sound knowledge of the field to secure an entry-level job. One of the interview panel members knew about UPF and when I told him about the BSE, he automatically recognized the value of my education. He was astonished to find a graduate of these prestigious universities in Kabul for recruitment. It sealed the deal for me with the World Bank Group."

Read the full "Eye on Alumni" interview