Culture Revival
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Many Afghans have forgotten or never learned about the rich cultural heritage of their country.
They need to recover their history and culture so they can know who they are and recover self esteem and confidence in their society. Also see our Education Innovation and Preschool Education pages. |
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AIL adds cultural information to its publications and its Learning Center courses as well as offering classes in traditional crafts such as calligraphy, tile making and miniature painting. Carpet weaving uses historic designs and traditional silk and nut weaving classes are often available.
AIL has a center in The Citadel, Herat offering arts training and supports the culture center at the Mausoleum. |
Gawhar Shad Mausoleum
In 2011 a library and research center was opened at the Gawhar Shad Mausoleum part of the Gawhar Shad Musalla complex in Herat. The complex dates back to the 15th century and is currently being restored both to historical accuracy and modern functionality. AIL provided books, shelving and desks and also pays for a full-time librarian. Since its opening, thousands of local students and members of the public have visited the library, many university students use it as a place to study and schools visit on field trips. At the opening there were 200 books on the shelves covering history, literature, psychology, health and politics. All teachers were asked to provide one book for the library and more than 1,000 books were received in a few days. Books continue to be added to the shelves.
The Citadel
The Citadel is an historic fort and is used as classrooms, teaching the traditional arts and skills of Afghanistan. Classes are offered in calligraphy, miniatory (Nagaristan Mashhal), carpet weaving, silk weaving, glass making and tile making. AIL set up these classes and pays the salaries of the trainers some of whom have degrees in Art from Herat University and others are skilled craftsmen with many years experience. A modern class which is also offered is photography, where students learn from a professional photographer to use standard and digital photography and videography.
In 2011 a library and research center was opened at the Gawhar Shad Mausoleum part of the Gawhar Shad Musalla complex in Herat. The complex dates back to the 15th century and is currently being restored both to historical accuracy and modern functionality. AIL provided books, shelving and desks and also pays for a full-time librarian. Since its opening, thousands of local students and members of the public have visited the library, many university students use it as a place to study and schools visit on field trips. At the opening there were 200 books on the shelves covering history, literature, psychology, health and politics. All teachers were asked to provide one book for the library and more than 1,000 books were received in a few days. Books continue to be added to the shelves.
The Citadel
The Citadel is an historic fort and is used as classrooms, teaching the traditional arts and skills of Afghanistan. Classes are offered in calligraphy, miniatory (Nagaristan Mashhal), carpet weaving, silk weaving, glass making and tile making. AIL set up these classes and pays the salaries of the trainers some of whom have degrees in Art from Herat University and others are skilled craftsmen with many years experience. A modern class which is also offered is photography, where students learn from a professional photographer to use standard and digital photography and videography.
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Young Afghan Poets Group
This group aims to engage young people in the long history of poetry in Afghanistan and to revive the art of writing. There are frequent gatherings and enthusiasm for poetry is encouraged through writing competitions as well as through historical readings. One of the participant said, "I am a college teacher. I didn't know about poetry, but after attending the gathering I understand a lot and I am now more interested in reading and writing poems myself." Publications A publication venture involved AIL partnering with UNICEF to support the publication of a children’s magazine called “Salam Salam Bachaha” as well as a children’s book called “Learn About Birds.” Both the magazine and book have colorful pictures for younger children, and the quarterly magazine is full of short stories and educational topics. AIL has also published a book about calligraphy, another historic Afghan art. Behzad Hall Professor Yacoobi dedicated a large portion of one floor of her office building as an arts center called Behzad Hall, in tribute to the great Afghan artist, Behzad. The official opening was attended by the Minister of Information and Culture, his Deputy, members of Parliament and several delegates of the Herat government. |
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Nida-e-Talem magazine
The "Voice of Education" magazine is published quarterly by AIL and copies are much used, passing from person to person so thousands have access to them. The magazine provides interesting, informative, Farsi language reading materials for AIL students, other NGOs, and the general public. One recent issue included a diverse range of topics including: a better education for a better life, the Afghan constitution, introduction to the Haft Qalam historical stone, education during the time of King Amanullah Khan, and how to reduce the rate of divorce in society. One of the goals of the magazine is to provide a forum for informed commentary by Afghans on important issues in society with a particular focus on health, education, culture revival and current events. The magazine includes submissions from people of all regions of Afghanistan: literature, essays, jokes, health tips, math questions and interviews with top students.
The "Voice of Education" magazine is published quarterly by AIL and copies are much used, passing from person to person so thousands have access to them. The magazine provides interesting, informative, Farsi language reading materials for AIL students, other NGOs, and the general public. One recent issue included a diverse range of topics including: a better education for a better life, the Afghan constitution, introduction to the Haft Qalam historical stone, education during the time of King Amanullah Khan, and how to reduce the rate of divorce in society. One of the goals of the magazine is to provide a forum for informed commentary by Afghans on important issues in society with a particular focus on health, education, culture revival and current events. The magazine includes submissions from people of all regions of Afghanistan: literature, essays, jokes, health tips, math questions and interviews with top students.
Green Afghanistan Workshops
A lot of Afghanistan’s natural environment has been devastated after decades of strife. AIL is helping Afghans grow, nurture and learn about the conservation and use of plants indigenous to their country. Native trees and plants have been disappearing from village and urban landscapes and Afghans have lost plant use knowledge such as for medicine, dyes and soap. There is a lack of connection with nature and the land for many people. AIL set up a Green Afghanistan Workshop: trained teachers, established native plants conservation plots at some Learning Centers and clinics (maintained by AIL students,staff and patients).
In 2010, AIL staff members traveled to Nebraska,USA to attend a Nature Action Forum to learn about plant cultivation and horticulture curriculum design. The aim is to bring back the historic Yunani system of healing with plants and the use of plant products in dyes and as cleaning agents. The project brings nature back into the education system and revives lost traditions and ancient knowledge. People are learning how to care for plants and their uses and how to recover a green landscape and the peace it brings. "As our people bloom, so must the land. Introducing our children and their parents to the wonders of our native plants will restore beauty to the land and our lives."
A lot of Afghanistan’s natural environment has been devastated after decades of strife. AIL is helping Afghans grow, nurture and learn about the conservation and use of plants indigenous to their country. Native trees and plants have been disappearing from village and urban landscapes and Afghans have lost plant use knowledge such as for medicine, dyes and soap. There is a lack of connection with nature and the land for many people. AIL set up a Green Afghanistan Workshop: trained teachers, established native plants conservation plots at some Learning Centers and clinics (maintained by AIL students,staff and patients).
In 2010, AIL staff members traveled to Nebraska,USA to attend a Nature Action Forum to learn about plant cultivation and horticulture curriculum design. The aim is to bring back the historic Yunani system of healing with plants and the use of plant products in dyes and as cleaning agents. The project brings nature back into the education system and revives lost traditions and ancient knowledge. People are learning how to care for plants and their uses and how to recover a green landscape and the peace it brings. "As our people bloom, so must the land. Introducing our children and their parents to the wonders of our native plants will restore beauty to the land and our lives."
