Sola and Education in Afghanistan

 Education in one's life is significant, and the quality and availability depend upon the location in the world. In Afghanistan, the Taliban has taken away the ability for Women to be educated, which sprouted SOLA, the School of Leadership Afghanistan. This was one of the harder lessons to stomach for me because, as mentioned in prior posts, I have a sister, and I could never imagine her having to take these risks as some of the girls. Every day, not knowing whether they would return home from school was an honest risk each woman took while traveling to school and fleeing to Rwanda. 

    Dr. Quimby's involvement in SOLA is something I wish was talked about more, as well as how Govs as a community is involved. When DQ is out of town, I wonder where he is and what opportunities he is exploring, and I was surprised to hear he was spending a good chunk of time in Rwanda. The video we watched before class gave me a better understanding of what it meant to be a woman trying to attend school in Afghanistan and the measures taken. The talibans hatred for women's education stems from a few different things but primarily from the Pashtun area in Pakistan where they attended madrassas. This is where most speculate that this indoctrination came from because it goes against the Quran. The Quaran, which is the sacred text of Islam, actually encourages women to be educated, and I found this hard to believe considering the circumstances in Afghanistan. The Quran is a way of life and can influence the government as well, but a young reporter named Yousafzai put the situation in Afghanistan regarding women's education as "They believe that a woman's place is either inside a house or a grave”. For me, this quote moved mountains because it really shows the severity of the situation.

I want to circle back to my personal connection and try not to summarize here. I had no idea Shazia and Sahiba were from Sola and really felt like they were just another classmate. I shared the opportunity to take American Studies with both of them and was amazed at their ability to conduct themselves and be a part of the community. If DQ had never shared those stories about the two and incorporated it into his presentation about SOLA, I would have never known, and I honestly am glad it was that way. I am curious to know if the community knowing they were from SOLA could impact how they were treated/how they were viewed. Sometimes, I feel like I can put on a different persona of myself to act in a way that may benefit someone else if their situation varies from mine, and I am happy to say that they got my true self, and I hope I received theirs. SOLA is a fascinating non-profit that is truly making waves throughout the world and growing exponentially. A part of me feels more proud wearing our shield, knowing we as a school and community make an effort in supporting this cause, even if it is taking a couple of students each year. I have a better understanding of the hardships that being a woman in Afghanistan entails, but I will never really know what it feels like. I know now to not take my education for granted and to appreciate the opportunities I have every day because I don't have to risk my life for an education like they did.