The Afghanistan education system has had its share of problems since the improvements made in the 1960s from King Zahir Shah.  Education in Afghanistan has several current issues including: violence, teacher’s credentials, extremist curriculum, infrastructure, child labor and of course my focus: education for Afghanistan women. Film Annex’s Afghan Development Project has provided the first internet classroom at Baghnazaragh School in Herat, Afghanistan just two weeks ago. The official opening was celebrated by not only the students and staff, but the school’s administration and local government officials. The differences they are making in lives of children are invaluable.

This past weekend, President of Film Annex Francesco Rulli traveled to Washington DC to meet with USAID to discuss the improvements currently being made by Film Annex. USAID provides economic assistance, improvement of education, health, and helps societies recover from conflicts and natural and man-made disasters. It is truly moving to me the difference that organizations can make in people’s lives. There are children all over the world that do not have the opportunities, safety, security, food, and health care that the children in America do. As Americans, it is our responsibility to share our culture and ways of life in countries that need aid. Afghanistan is the 15^th least developed country in the world, with the education system of Afghanistan at the top of the list. USAID and Film Annex are doing their part to help with Afghanistan education with their focus being to lay down the foundation to achieve these goals by creating jobs, boosting incomes, reducing poverty and gains against extremists. Building schools in Afghanistan with internet access will benefit students in ways we can’t comprehend; it will give them opportunities to become life-long learners through our culture and the endless amount of information on the web. That is Film Annex’s part in helping. What part will you play?

Dana