Podcast: “Shine Your Life” – a story of Afghan schoolgirls

Podcast:

“Shine Your Life” – a story of Afghan schoolgirls

Time: 7 min 15 sec

Here we meet a group of Afghan schoolgirls who are thriving in the face of harsh opposition, oppression, and exploitation.

Here are some reflections on the recent NPR rebroadcast (11/10/16) of a piece initially reported by them in 2010. (Note: Please find the podcast below for your easy access):

I found this story inspiring and meaningful on two fronts. First is the girls’ unwavering optimism and idealism despite living in extremely adverse conditions. By merely attending school, these girls are confronted by all kinds of social pressures and even the threat of death, yet they courageously and undauntedly pursue their dream of learning and gaining an education.

One 11-year old girl in Kandahar states: “It’s very great that everybody HAS to be educated because education is like a gold. When you get it, it will be always in your mind. And you can profit from that. Never – no one can steal it from your mind, education. We can do everything by education. It will shine your life.”

When an exuberant young girl joyfully pursues her goals against such strong and deadly opposition, where is there scope for the rest of us to shy away from or back down from perhaps more ordinary challenges we face in our own lives.

Second, for those of us who have access to education and other opportunities at a much lesser “cost”, this serves as a reminder to take full advantage and not become complacent about something which others cherish so much that they are doing it at the risk of their life.

Hope you will spare a few minutes to listen to this unique and impactful story….