In the past week, I watched two videos on Film Annex, one was a video on construction of Baghanzaragh School and the other was a video on the opening day. The construction video was amazing- it showed what they had started with, and what it became.  The final product of the classroom looked like one in the US, but it’s lacking some visuals and love that I am sure the teachers will add. But also being able to view what the streets, the cars, and the clothes of Afghan people was very culturally shocking to me. Afghanistan culture is very different than here in the United States- we just don’t know how lucky we are- Not just in education, but overall.  

The education system of Afghanistan has many issues, mostly regarding women’s education and the opportunities that their schools offer. Film Annex has provided endless opportunities, hopes and dreams to the students of Baghanzaragh School. They have provided the internet to students that have not had the chance before. As Americans, we can’t imagine not having the internet. Many of us have the internet at the tips of our fingers at all times. Think about how many times you “google” something to find out the answer. You may not realize it, but you are teaching yourself things constantly. Reading the news, researching anything possible, it’s truly a priceless tool that is now accessible to these children. Schooling in Afghanistan does not offer these tools to children at the rate they should, so others need to step in and help out. That is what Film Annex has done. Their efforts will go beyond setting up these schools, but providing their education through US teachers and US Veterans (through the G.I.V.E. Global Initiative for Veteran Entrepreneurship program).  When I watched the video of the opening day at Baghanzaragh School, I was moved to tears. As a teacher and a lifelong learner, I can see the success of this before it begins. Building schools in Afghanistan is something that needs assistance, help, time and dedication and that is what Film Annex is doing.  

 Dana