By Jasmin Kozowy
My name is Jasmin Kozowy I am journalist and activist. I recently made a film Generation A about the next generation of children and teenagers in Afghanistan. If you get a chance to see it, you will understand that education is the solution for Afghanistan and together we can positively support Afghanistan as an international community.
On my first trip to Afghanistan I was 23. It was 2012 and I toured the country as a media consultant for the US army. I was a type of spin-doctor for a special project working to stimulate local economy. Once on the ground, I saw the REAL issue was a lack of education. I made a promise to myself that I would go back independently and cover the REAL story of Afghanistan today.
Whenever I tell people about making GENERATION A the first question I get is about my safety as a woman in a war zone. They ask me if I was worried about my own personal protection and if I ever doubted that I could complete my film. My answer is, honestly, “Never”.
I was taught at a very young age to fight for those who have no voice and to be grateful for what I have. I’ve been gifted with a first world voice. I can freely create awareness for Afghanistan, so why wouldn’t I? I feel it’s my responsibility as a first world person.
Always as an artist we doubt our art; to me it’s the icing on the cake if someone likes your art or vision.
Since making the film in 2012, taking two trips of about two months each, the Afghan community has become my second family to me both here in Australia and in Afghanistan. I miss the country all the time. I even miss the smell.
Never in my life have I experienced such a loving, open and family oriented culture. Afghans are quite spiritual beings, but this side of their culture rarely gets reported on.
Top Comments
http://en.wikipedia.org/wik...
Women in Afghanistan were terribly oppressed by the Taliban because they strictly follow the teachings of islam. Women could not access education because of the Taliban believed girls should not be educated beyond the age of 8!
http://edition.cnn.com/2014...
Undoubtedly, the people of Afghanistan are in dire need of western style education rather than madrassa's which focus on just kids children the Koran. However, I would argue the real issue in Afghanistan is the Taliban and it's strong adherence to enforcing the teachings of islam on the populace whether they like it or not.