Aghanistan School System to Learn From Turkey February 9, 2010
Posted by barakatinc in Afghanistan, Education, Women.Tags: Afghanistan, Education, Women, schools, Islam, Turkey
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The process of democratization is always a long one, and usually painful. No other country knows that better than Afghanistan. Torn apart by war, Afghanistan is struggling to find a way to normalize society again. One of the most important ways to do this is to focus on education. Abdullah Gül, president of Turkey, has pledged to help Afghanistan do exactly that.
Turkey is one of the few truly democratic nations in the region, and has found a way to reconcile a majority Muslim population with a secular government. Their schools incorporate Islam and also boast a very high population of educated women. Because Afghanistan wants to continue to incorporate religion into everyday life, including education, they will adopt Turkey’s model of 40% Islamic teaching and 60% normal curriculum. This system is called imam-hatip and has been extremely successful in Turkey. Six schools have opened already and 62 more are to be opened in the spring. The proposal also includes funding by Turkey for more scholarships for Afghan students to study in Turkish Universities.
Barakat recognizes the effectiveness of respecting culture and religion, and therefore incorporates Islam into their programs as well. Curriculums for the Besh Kapa School, the Mullah Kareem Nazar School, and the home-based literacy courses for girls and women, all include an Islamiyat course, the study of Islam. This is comforting for parents of young girls that are hesitant to send their daughters to school. Thanks to Turkey, hopefully children in other parts of Afghanistan will soon strive in this learning environment too.
The Problem With Private Schools in India February 2, 2010
Posted by barakatinc in Education, India.Tags: Education, India
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Parents in New York who are stressed about private schools accepting their children, ought to be glad they aren’t in New Delhi. Yesterday was the deadline for schools to post their final decisions on which children would be accepted for the upcoming year. Because there has been such chaos and arbitrary practices in accepting students, a court-appointed commission set new rules in standards for accepting students. The combination of India’s exploding middle-class, and the practical collapse of the public school system, has led private schools to go overboard with absurd filtering processes such as outlandish bribes.
However, the new standard seems to be skewed as well. It is based on a 100-point system that measures things such as parent’s occupations, siblings, and distance from the school. These guidelines, parents complain, are unfair for single children families and discriminate based on characteristics that are unimportant. Not to mention that this point system is only in effect for New Delhi. Other cities around the country are still operating on an extremely corrupt system. More importantly, however, is where that leaves the poor: stuck in the public school system that is non-functioning, with no hope of paying bribes or becoming accepted to private schools on their own.
Barakat aims to provide schooling for this portion of the population. The public school system has little resources and unmotivated staff. Barakat provides schooling in the Bhadohi district in the Northern state of Uttar Pradesh, a very poor area in which parents often have to choose whether to send their children to school, or send their children to work. Barakat’s free education system provides quality learning to curve the practice of abusive child labor.
With such an uproar among parents in New Delhi, officials may have to find a new system that values the right characteristics in students. Hopefully other cities around the country can adopt fair standards as well, and offer families an alternative to the unacceptable and failing public school system.
Afghan Women and Negotiating With the Taliban January 29, 2010
Posted by barakatinc in Afghanistan, Education, Women.Tags: Afghanistan, Education, Taliban, Women
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Yesterday in London an international conference was held on Afghanistan to discuss the future of the political arena and whether or not to negotiate with members of the Taliban. Leaders of 65 different nations attended, as did non-state organizations such as the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) Afghanistan. Many countries in attendance seemed to be leaning towards an effort to include some low to mid-level Taliban members by seducing them with financial incentives. President Hamid Karzai suggested this strategy, and $140 million has already been raised to fund the reintegration, $50 million coming from Japan.
On the other side, however, in strong opposition to the plan, were UNIFEM and other Afghan women’s groups. Since the Taliban fell from power, women have made incremental but significant achievements towards full integration into society. With the majority of Afghan girls still without primary education, however, there is still a long way to go. Many women fear, and with good reason, that if members of the Taliban become reintegrated back into society and politics, these few rights that they have attained will be taken away again.
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton included a stipulation regarding women’s rights when she spoke at the conference in London. The Women’s Action Plan recognizes that women must be included in the negotiating process and includes initiatives to increase women’s security, participation in politics, and access to basic human rights such as education and medicine.
Mrs. Clinton’s plan is an important one, but it might not be enough. Although women’s rights were mentioned in passing by some other nations, they did not give it the attention it deserves. Afghan women wonder why the conference did not include more representation from those who will be most affected by this change: the women.
In order for Afghanistan to rebuild itself, women must be involved and must play a leading role. Without sufficient education for most of the women population, this is near impossible. Barakat aims to not only provide education, but also to provide women with a comfortable and acceptable environment to learn. Since parents are often skeptical about co-ed schooling, Barakat makes sure that women have either their own classrooms, or can meet at a neighbor’s house for classes.
While the constitution calls for 25% female representation in parliament, Afghan’s parliament is far from meeting this goal: only three names have been put forward by women in the election. This is understandable considering women still have little education, health care, and access to the justice system. They are also struggling against a society that is not accustomed to women in high-power positions. It seems doubtful that including members of the Taliban back into the system will be helpful. World leaders seem to have forgotten that these are the same men that denied a woman the right to get an education, hold a job, or even show her face in public.
Pierce Elementary Students Respond to the Need for Female Education December 17, 2009
Posted by barakatinc in Events.Tags: charity walk, help, Pierce Elementary School, students, volunteer
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Pierce School Students at the Literacy Walk
The presence of Pierce School’s 6th grade students and their families, wearing Barakat’s bold orange T- shirts and carrying banners as they walk full of spirit, was an exciting sight at Barakat’s Walk for Literacy this past October. The students were happy to be part of the event as they knew it was for a purpose which was dear to them–helping those who are truly in need with the knowledge that their support can bring a change.
These committed students have played a vital role in the success of the Barakat’s Literacy Walk in 2008 and 2009. Not only did a large number of students participate with their parents and teachers, but the group also raised more than $8000 dollars!
It’s easy to wonder why 6th grade students from Brookline, MA would choose to raise money for women and children on the other side of the globe. What does the Walk for Literacy mean for these students? How do they believe they are helping education around the world? Read the students’ answers below to learn why they took up the cause with such passion.
What is Barakat’s Role?
Arthur, a 6th grade student, defines Barakat’s mission as “a non-profit organization which is helping to educate women and girls in Afghanistan, Pakistan and India. Every cent that is donated to Barakat, goes to help and to build schools for girls”.
Why Walk for Literacy?
Isabelle shared her opinion on what inspires her to work for the literacy walk: “One day a lady from the Barakat organization named Arti came to our school to speak about Barakat and girls and women in Afghanistan. We were all inspired by what she said and we were horrified by some of the facts she told us. We decided to split into three groups to help Barakat raise money. They include fundraising, advertising, and understanding Afghanistan. Together we are trying to get people to go to our walk, the walk for literacy.”
How to Help Walk for Literacy?
Thea of class 6L shared her views: “I know I’m doing it for a good cause. I know there are many people who aren’t as privileged as me. It feels good to be helping others. I feel very lucky to have the education after learning about the girls in Afghanistan. So I decided to do the walk. My goal is $100, I’m walking 5 miles. I hope my money goes a long way. If I am able to raise $100 I will be able to send 2 girls to school for a year.
Abby, a fellow student, says, “I think it is really good idea to do the walk to help people in Afghanistan get education. My goal is to raise $50 over the registration fee of $25. I also want to get a couple of people to sponsor me, so I can raise as much as possible. I hope a lot of people go and help raise money for the girls in Afghanistan.”
Jason tells us “I’m excited as I’ve done these kind of walks before to raise money and help the cause. My goal is $100. I think others should also come do the walk. It will be fun and a lot of Pierce students and teachers will be there.”
On the Walk Day – The View from 5 Miles: By Cierra
“The crowd was getting larger as more people were coming. After everybody settled down with their food and coffee the founder of Barakat started making speech. The first people he thanked were the parents, teachers and students of the Pierce School. While he was talking it seemed that everybody’s eyes wandered over to the Pierce School banner which our school had designed to represent who we are. After the speeches we headed on our walk. About 1/5 through the walk it started raining but the people were determined to finish. Soon in the distance I could see the Barakat sign hanging on arched entrance. I was happy that I competed the 5 mile walk, but my feet were KILLING ME! When we arrived, we were greeted and congratulated by the other walkers.”
Empowering women in poverty December 15, 2009
Posted by barakatinc in Education, Women.Tags: Dining for Women
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Something unique happens when women get together. The conversation is different, the atmosphere changes, and barriers are removed. Teachers working in Barakat’s schools see this happen in our women’s literacy courses, which are taught by women for women. In a male-dominated society, these courses are an opportunity for women to express themselves freely, spend quality time with other women outside of their own home, and gain literacy and numeracy skills that can literally change and truly improve their lives.
Something similar is happening with an organization called Dining for Women. This grassroots campaign, started by women to involve women in giving to other women, invites women to get together and “dine in”, donating the money they would have otherwise spent at a restaurant toward women living in poverty.
Dining for Women funds programs focused on health, education, and economic self sufficiency. Dining for Women also emphasizes collective giving as those who participate can make a larger joint donation than individuals working alone. At Barakat, we realize that women play a significant role in family, education, society, and development, and our goal is to empower women—young and old—to impact the world around them.
Much like Barakat, Dining for Women recognizes that women living in extreme poverty may not have access to support systems and as a result, they and their families may suffer. The goal of both Dining for Women and Barakat is to give women the tools they need to provide for themselves and their families. Barakat’s education programs empower women at the grassroots level, as women who become literate are able to find jobs and make a living to support their families. Both Barakat and Dining for Women share the vision that empowering women is key in breaking the cycle of poverty.
Barakat and Maternal Health December 7, 2009
Posted by barakatinc in Afghanistan, Women.Tags: maternal health
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Maternal health is vital issue around the globe but unfortunately it does not receive the attention and action that it deserves. Afghanistan has the second highest maternal mortality rate in the world, next to Sierra Leone. According to a recent Christian Science Monitor article, two-thirds of Afghanistan’s population has no maternal nor child health services and only ten percent of Afghanistan’s hospitals are equipped for Cesarean surgeries. Eighty percent of maternal deaths in Afghanistan are preventable. According to a recent Washington Times article , causes of these statistics include: lack of facilities, impassable roads that isolate communities, and a severe lack of medical professionals to treat and educate. The odds are stacked against women as they are unable to afford a hospital, cannot access one even if they can afford it, and because of cultural values of their conservative societies, are prohibited from examination by male doctors.
Fundraising at Mantra November 16, 2009
Posted by barakatinc in Afghanistan, Education, Events, India, Pakistan, Women.add a comment
Barakat held a fundraiser in downtown Boston at Mantra last Thursday evening. The event was a huge success and guests enjoyed Mantra’s French-Indian cuisine while supporting a great cause. The evening featured a silent auction on various items from Karma, a local shop that sells fine imported crafts from Tibet, Nepal, and India. The night also featured a raffle for gift certificates as well as other exciting prizes.
David Boeri from WBUR’s Radio Boston hosted the evening as master of ceremonies. Barakat’s executive director, Damon Luloff gave a brief introduction about Barakat and then the founders, Chris Walter and Habibullah Karimi, followed with a short description of Barakat’s history and how the organization was started. Mariam Raquib was also a featured speaker. Mariam was forced to flee Pakistan during the Soviet occupation in the 1980s. While living in Pakistan, she met Afghans living in refugee camps, and this experience profoundly shaped her views about the importance of human rights and the rights of children to receive an education.
South Asian dance groups provided the entertainment for the evening. Students from Burlington High School performed a combination of three Bollywood songs combining hip-hop and traditional dance. Tibetan musicians sang next, followed by Dance Philippines, a nonprofit organization composed of professional Filipino-American volunteers to bring attention to the Philippine culture through music and dance. Boston College Masti, a dance troupe of the South Asian Students Association at Boston College combined traditional Indian and fusion music in an inspiring routine. Northeastern University’s Kinematics and a Tibetan masked dance were also among the fabulous performances that brought attention to South Asian culture.
Without Phuni Meston of Karma Imported crafts, this event would not have been possible. Phuni is from Tibet and had been relocated as a young girl to Southern India where she was a victim of human trafficking and was eventually brought to the United States. In 1995 Phuni was one of the Tibetan delegates who participated in the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing advocating for social justice and Tibetan women’s rights. She continues to speak publicly about her experiences to create awareness and work towards ending human trafficking.
Barakat’s event at Mantra raised over $5000 for literacy programs in South Asia!
Barakat at Mantra! November 2, 2009
Posted by barakatinc in Afghanistan, Education, Events, India, Pakistan.add a comment
Thursday, November 12 from 6:30-8:30 pm
Come join Barakat and Karma as we celebrate South Asian culture with music, dance and food! Enjoy a taste of French-Indian cuisine from Mantra, one of the hottest restaurants in downtown Boston, and get an exclusive performance by local music and dance groups. Tickets are $50, and all proceeds benefit Barakat’s work to promote education for women and children in Afghanistan, Pakistan and India. Hosted by David Boeri from WBUR’s Radio Boston.
Or join us for the After Party starting at 9pm for just $5 featuring a live performance from KINEMATIX and music from DJ Rob EG. All proceeds support Barakat’s literacy programs in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India!







