‘Afghan Dreamers’ – a name that made headlines after a Robotics team of Afghan teenage girls were awarded for their ground breaking invention in an international US competition. The girls built a lightweight, low-cost ventilator using old car parts to help COVID patients in Afghanistan.

Team captain Somaya Faruqi, 17, told Thomson Reuters Foundation: “Our machines are built out of a combination of a Toyota Corolla motor, chains from motorcycles as well as separate pressure, heat and humidity sensors.”

Elham Mansori, another team member, said: “It (being able to make ventilators) shows the importance of teaching girls at a young age and the role of women as active citizens in our society.”