Investing in Girls

Today marks the 100^th anniversary of International Women’s Day, and this year’s theme is “Equal access to education, training and science and technology: Pathway to decent work for women.”  Barakat operates schools and literacy courses for women and girls in South Asia, believing that equal access to education is crucial to reducing poverty in the region.

In many parts of the world, including Afghanistan and Pakistan, girls are less likely than boys to attend school, be vaccinated, or see a doctor.  A recent TIME essay discussed the importance of investing in girls in the global fight against poverty.  “Investment in girls’ education may well be the highest-return investment available in the developing world,” wrote Larry Summers while serving as chief economist at the World Bank.

Girls who attend school for at least seven years typically earn higher wages, marry later, and have fewer children than those with less education.  Fewer dependents per worker leads to greater economic growth. Women are also more likely than men to reinvest their income in their families, buying things like books, medicine, and malaria nets.

Development experts say part of the solution involves providing girls with access to schools and health clinics with programs designed specifically for them.  Helping girls realize their potential will require the support of entire communities, including mothers, fathers, teachers, and religious leaders.

Barakat has witnessed the vital role of supportive family members in our initiatives such as the Girls Scholarship Program in Pakistan.  Scholarship recipient Surayya has four siblings.  Her father is a carpet weaver and her mother is a tailor.  She says, “My father wishes that all of his children get an education, but due to lack of funds he cannot afford our studies.”  Surayya is fortunate to have parents that support her education rather than sending her to work, and with a Barakat scholarship she can continue her studies.  “Education is not necessary for males only,” says Surayya.  “I want to be a well-aware Afghan girl who is able to understand her rights.”

American girls are also getting involved in this cause.  High school girls in the Boston area have held fundraisers for Barakat’s Girls Scholarship Program to support students like Surayya.  The United Nations Foundation has started a campaign called Girl Up, which encourages American girls between the ages of 10 and 19 to give a “High Five” to girls in developing countries by donating $5 to provide school supplies, health check-ups, and more.  Actions like these display how the next generation of leaders is already making progress to improve the lives of girls around the world.

Top 5 Reasons to do Barakat’s 3rd Annual Walk for Literacy!

Our 3rd Annual Walk for Literacy is this Saturday, October 16 - there’s still time to sign up! Need some more encouragement? Check out the reasons below!

1. The Organization: Barakat is one of many non-profit organizations trying to make a difference in Afghanistan, Pakistan and India and our close contact with our on-the-ground staff gives us great understanding about the problems facing these countries right now. We are diligently working on small-scale problem solving in a widely misunderstood region and hope that by raising awareness about our cause, we can reach more women and children in these countries and give them the tools they need to empower themselves.

2. The Community: Participating in Barakat’s Walk for Literacy gives you a chance to meet people in the Boston and Cambridge community who are equally committed to the cause of literacy in South and Central Asia.  Even if you’re doing the Walk alone, you can find someone new and interesting to chat with and learn something from. Cambridge Mayor David Maher and journalist-turned human rights activist, Liz Walker will both be giving speeches to commemorate the event.

3. Making a Difference: Problems in South and Central Asia can seem like a world away, but they aren’t. Barakat’s mission is to enable thousands of women and children in this region to access their fundamental right to basic education so that they may empower themselves. It’s no secret that investing in education is a key strategy in alleviating poverty and inequality in developing countries. You can help by Walking on October 16th.

4.The Season: Everyone loves autumn in New England! The Barakat Walk for Literacy gives you a chance to enjoy the lingering days of fall while coming together for a great cause! Take advantage of this great opportunity to get outside and see 5 miles of fall foliage in the crisp October weather.

5.  The Activities: The fun doesn’t end at the Walk – we have fun activities after the Walk to celebrate everyone’s participation and hard work. This year, we will have henna tattoos, a kite-making workshop, and lots of delicious food from local establishments!

6.  The Exercise! The option between a 2.5 mile or 5 mile route around Cambridge allow Walkers to get as much exercise as they want! As the weather starts to cool down and the holidays approach, October becomes one of the last months when you can get outside and get active. Why not bring your friends and walk for a good cause?

Not in the Boston area, but want to help our cause? You can donate to Barakat here! Proceeds from this event will support our programs in Afghanistan Pakistan and India! Find more information on the Walk here.

Pierce Elementary Students Respond to the Need for Female Education

Pierce School Students at the Literacy Walk

The presence of Pierce School’s 6^th 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.”

Fundraising at Mantra

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!

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.

Reserve your tickets here!

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!

Walk for Literacy was a success!

Barakat’s 2nd Annual Walk for Literacy took place this weekend and it was a huge success!  Walkers were ready to go at 10:30 and very enthusiastic to support literacy regardless of the rain!  

The students from Pierce Elementary School were especially excited about the event.  They spent the weeks leading up to the Walk raising money and promoting the event as well as writing a blog about their efforts.

Damon gave a brief introduction and thanked everyone for making it out to Cambridge followed by Habibullah Karimi who took the stage to discuss the cause and what it means to him.  Habibullah is one of Barakat’s founders and he is originally from Afghanistan.  Habibullah discussed the importance of educating youth as it enlightens individuals and brings light into their lives rather than darkness.  He is a true believer in the power of education.

SherBaz Ali Khan was our next speaker, an intern at Barakat who is originally from Pakistan.  He gave a very moving speech about the cause, its importance, what it means to him, and what it means to the people of South Asia.  This event comes at a very unfortunate time for South Asia, particularly Pakistan, as schools have been shut down in the region following an attack by a suicide bomber on a university in Islamabad.

Moderate points of view are a common side effect of increased access to education and opportunity.  It is proven that in communities of Afghanistan and Pakistan that have higher rates of literacy, the Taliban has less of an influence.  With access to greater opportunities, it is less likely that individuals will be drawn to a militant organization such as the Taliban.  It is no surprise then, that schools are often targeted for attacks.  Education represents a threat. 

Sherbaz went on to discuss how lucky we are here in the United States because the government would never shut down all of the schools in the country.  Something like this is unheard of in America.  

Arthur, a sixth grader, recently wrote in the Pierce School Walk for Literacy blog that learning about this situation “really makes you think about how lucky you are to live somewhere where you just have to fret about homework everyday, not war.”

Despite the risks that they face, girls continue to make great efforts to receive an education.  The BBC’s Hunger to Learn series has followed the lengths that individuals will go to receive an education.  In one instance, teachers were threatened by the Taliban after they had taken control of Swat but administrators decided to keep the school open regardless.  They complied with demands by the Taliban that they all wear burkas and the Taliban agreed to allow the school to stay open.  Unfortunately, the Taliban did not keep its promise and the school was destroyed shortly afterwards.  Because the Swat Valley has come back under Pakistani control, this school was able to open again although it was not repaired.  

Efforts by the Taliban have hindered students from achieving to their full potential and many fall behind in their studies.  Despite these grim facts, many of the students and teachers have continued to attend their lessons and study in the shambles that were their classrooms because they truly recognize the value of an education.  

Barakat is not immune to the threats that the Taliban imposes on students and teachers trying to advance their communities.  Security for Barakat’s schools remains the number one issue both in Pakistan and Afghanistan.  Though threats from extremists do permeate the communities we serve and have negatively affected our school attendance, there is still substantial turnout from both boys and girls.  This shows their bravery and their love of learning.  Those who use violence against education are weak and misguided, and need education more than anything to realize the strongest connection: that of a community who pulls together peacefully for progress.  Those who choose education are strong because strong people choose to communicate with words, respect, and peace.  

Barakat’s Initiative Against Malaria

Malaria is one of the greatest threats to health and economic welfare in India.  Malaria causes fatigue, fainting, flu-like symptoms, convulsions, and in some cases can result in death.  This issue is a threat to individuals and the community’s economic status as well because it hinders parents ability to provide for their families and it limits students from doing their best in school.  Luckily, malaria is a preventable disease.  Barakat has been working to prevent malaria in communities so that there is a greater opportunity for indivuals to be productive and raise their standard of living.

Barakat hosted a wine tasting event recently to support our Initiative Against Malaria.  The event took place on October 3rd and there was a very good turnout!  Wine expert Peter Kenseth led this introductory wine tasting class to raise money for preventing malaria.  The money raised is put toward distributing bed nets to the students of Care and Fair Barakat School and the Barakat Qazipur School in Uttar Pradesh, India.

The Long-Lasting Insecticide-treated Nets (LLINS) are recommended by the World Health Organization as the most effective preventive measure against malaria.  UNICEF utilizes these nets as well to protect children in various other regions of the world.  The net is treated with insecticide and continues to be effective for years even after being washed multiple times.  These nets are vital to areas that suffer from the malaria threat.  They significantly reduce the number of mosquitos that enter the home and they reduce transmission of the disease by as much as 90%.  

Unfortunately, many families do not use the nets because of their high cost and the lack of knowledge about their use.  Our event this past weekend raised approximately $500 and, at a cost of $5 per net, Barakat will provide 100 nets for families of students in our schools in India!  In addition to providing the nets for our students, Barakat is working to produce a how-to manual for the children to bring home to their parents that will explain the importance of using the bed nets as well as how to set them up so that they are as effective as possible.  

Barakat will be hosting future events to benefit the Malaria Initiative for our students in India.  Stay tuned for updates on future events or check out the malaria page on our website where you can learn more about how malaria affects our students and where you can donate directly to the initiative.

Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn in Cambridge!

Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn will be in Cambridge, MA on Monday, October 5 at 6:00 p.m.  They will discuss their new book Half the Sky at the Brattle Theater, 40 Brattle Street in Harvard Square.  The event is sponsored by the Harvard Bookstore.  Barakat will be in attendance to support this amazing cause!

Check out Sheryl WuDunn’s recent appearance on the Colbert Report where she discusses how giving women loans and educating girls is the way to lift developing nations out of poverty.

Barakat recently entered the ‘Half the Sky’ Competition!

New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn, authors of Half the Sky, have created a competition for organizations involved in fighting global poverty and empowering women.  The ‘Half the Sky’ competition and Barakat’s submission can be found on Kristof’s blog entitled On the Ground.

 

Barakat’s entry is listed below:

To an outsider, the most striking thing about women in rural Uttar Pradesh, India, is how few of them there are. Men cram the narrow lanes, work the tarp-covered shops, and zoom around on motorcycles throughout Bhadohi– without a woman to be seen.

Until you enter a home, that is. There you will find women cooking, cleaning, and assiduously applying the ancient art of weaving to huge looms. Women wearing intricately embroidered saris wade knee-deep into rice paddies behind their homes. They seemingly do it all—except leave their homes.

I traveled to this north-central Indian province in July with my boyfriend Damon, who works for Barakat, Inc. Barakat funds two elementary schools here. I went along as an observer and volunteer, but I had the chance to interview some of these almost-invisible women.

Most of the women in Bhadohi have not been formally educated. To an outsider, they appear shunned from many parts of adult society. They are rarely seen in shops; they don’t work in restaurants; they almost always get around by walking only. Women’s irrelevance here is so ingrained that most shopkeepers utterly ignored my presence. When I pulled out the cash, they handed my boyfriend the change. Even the lone two shopkeepers who addressed me directly called me “sir.”

While these quotidian insults are not of life-destroying magnitude, they pile up to create an oppressive weight from under which Indian women cannot escape. Each individual woman is trapped in her own home, with a family she typically did not choose and circumstances she cannot alter. What makes this so outrageous is that not just an unlucky bunch of women meet this fate; nearly every rural woman in UP will live such a life.

We interviewed some of the parents who send their students to the free, public Barakat schools in Bhadohi. We asked them, Why do you think it’s important for girls to be educated? Both fathers and mothers gave the same answer: nowadays, it’s hard for an uneducated female to find a suitable husband. A good marriage brings both prestige and wealth– if it’s education men want, it’s education they get. And why, we asked, do men seek educated wives? The answer to this question, simple common knowledge to the villagers, nonetheless summed up years of research: educated women see to it that their children become educated, too. In other words, if a man wants his own children to be educated, he finds them an educated mom.

The rural people of Bhadohi are onto something: educating young girls earns them a desirable marriage in which they are valued participants; potential careers outside the home; and best of all, children who will be assured an education, too. Barakat’s two free schools in Bhadohi, which serve hundreds of children from impoverished carpet-weaving families, make special outreach efforts to enroll girls. This is not a band-aid solution. Systematically educating all the young women in Bhadohi will slowly but surely bring them out of the shadows—and protect future generations from that shadow, permanently.

Why Last Week’s Afghan Election Matters

“I know the Taliban threaten people not to vote, but I am coming and using my vote,” said Bakht Muhammad, 24, after he voted in Kandahar. “I want change. I want security. I want to live my life in our country.”

<http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/21/world/asia/21afghan.html?hp>

Despite rocket attacks in Kandahar and an insurgent gun battle in Kabul, Afghans came out to vote last week in the country’s 2nd ever presidential election.   The Taliban has intimidated the Afghan people through warnings and attacks, but this has not deterred them from reaching the voting booths.   The people want to see change and a better place for the younger generations.  The response from the Afghan people shows their support and desire for democracy and their bravery for standing up for what they believe in even in the face of terrorism.

Voter turn out in the North is stronger because of greater security and less Taliban presence.  The regions where our schools are located (also in the North) are most likely to have their voices heard through voting, a positive sign for the citizens seeking change.  The Southern region however, has seen considerable action by the Taliban in closing poll stations and stepping up violence, with 26 killed on election day related violence.  But there are positive signs there too.  Even with considerable violence, some voters still showed up, surprising US soldiers and Afghan officials.

These are all great positive things to take away from the election, but one has to remember that this election is not about electing a candidate to lead Afghanistan’s Government.

This election is about showcasing who has the power in the country.  In many areas, particularly in the rural regions and the South, the Taliban is well respected and remains in control of resources and people while the Afghan government has struggled to secure the country.

We saw a partial answer for the Question of Power on election day.

Last week’s election matters because it showed the Afghan people that their fellow people citizens in their government and it demonstrated to the world that, because the elections took place with a relative amount of success, that the government operates with significant power.  Had the Taliban had controlled the majority of polls and impeded election efforts, the world would have seen their strength of controlling the country.  Even the small voter turn out to polls that had seen heavy violence gives evidence of the importance for Afghani citizens.

To further spread the power and effectiveness of the government and diminish the reach of the Taliban, the goal of the new Afghan Government, as well as U.S. and NATO Security Forces should be to prioritize what the Afghani people want and need.  Focus should also be to market and provide these services in a better capacity than the Taliban.

The Afghani people first and foremost want security; no one wants to live in a constant state of fear.  Second, Afghanis want economic opportunities in terms of trade and commerce.  With continued violence there has been an unstable economy in Afghanistan.  Third, Afghanis want more of a focus on education.  Afghanis believe that education is the proper method of building strong and economically sound communities for the welfare and benefit of their entire country.

In many cases, the Taliban has been able to provide security and commerce better than the Afghan government, especially in rural areas where the Taliban’s reach is greater.  If the government, with the help of security forces, can begin to provide security, legitimate commerce opportunities, and better funding for education, then the tide of civilian support will shift toward the government away from the Taliban.

The Taliban’s message to the Afghans is that they will remain long after any foreign forces are there, an attempt to remove hope of a different future for the country.  To get their message across, they will continue to use violence and aggressive conservative tactics.