Rohullah Nikpai, Afghanistan

World Class 2012 in partnership with the British Council bring you the stories of the schools where the dreams begin.

Rohullah was Afghanistan's first ever athlete to gain an Olympic medal when he picked up the bronze for taekwondo at Beijing 2008.

During his childhood Rohullah spent time as a refugee in Iran. His school years were spent in Tehran, Iran's capital.

After his studies, Rohullah continued taekwondo at the Olympic training facility in Kabul, Afghanistan.

Rohullah's school memories

In an interview with BBC World Class, Rohullah tells us about his lasting school memories and how he believes education is the route to a successful future.

School is the foundation behind the realisation of your goals. Going to school opens your mind and widens your understanding

Rohulluah Nikpai

"I have never been to school in Afghanistan. I went to school in Tehran, Iran's capital. My early school days were spent in an Iranian state-run school called Dabestan Sabereen.

I remember lots of funny experiences during my school days. In the early months of my first year I remember falling asleep in class and being embarrassed when I was woken up by our teacher.

We had a female teacher in year two who was my favourite teacher. She was very kind to everyone and to me in particular. I loved to come to school because of her. History was my favourite subject and I'm still interested in reading about it.

During my childhood and early years of school I liked playing Tushla, a marbles game common among Afghan kids.

I've been back to Iran only once since we left the country, but I didn't manage to visit my school because I was taking part in a taekwando competition.

My message to young kids is to take school very seriously and understand that school is the route to a prosperous future. Even if they want to be athletes or be stars of any other profession, they have to try hard in their lessons at school. I'd also encourage them to exercise and take up some sporting activities alongside studying.

When I see kids going to school in Kabul I feel so proud of them, as they're going to school despite the economical and security challenges. Schools have improved over the last five years and more people are interested in going to school in urban and rural areas these days."

Translation by Shoaib Sharifi