by Hamid Arefi, Former Editor in Chief – The Kabul Times
As I sit down to write this blog post, memories of my childhood come flooding back—memories of a land torn by civil war, of my parents’ unwavering determination, and of a journey that has taken me from the chaos of conflict to the pursuit of knowledge. This is not just my story; it is a story of survival, resilience, and an enduring love for Afghanistan.
A Childhood Amidst Chaos
The 1990s in Afghanistan were marked by civil war, a period of unfathomable hardship and danger. I was just a child then, with a younger brother in tow. Our parents, like so many others, did everything in their power to shield us from the relentless bullets and rockets that rained down on our homeland. I will never forget the day when a rocket hit perilously close to our house. In the midst of dust and chaos, my father managed to find us, clutching us close amidst the panicked rush of people. It was a close call, a brush with death that left an indelible mark on my consciousness.
Overcoming Challenges
We persevered through those dark days, and as the conflict ebbed, we seized the opportunity to rebuild our lives. In post 2001 era, among millions of other children, we went to school, graduated from high school, and pursued higher education at the university. It was during this time that I realized the power of knowledge and information, and particularly how that can change destiny of a country. I wanted to be a journalist, a conduit for truth in a world often shrouded in misinformation.
My career as a journalist allowed me to not only provide accurate and up-to-date information to my people but also to advocate for important causes. I also worked tirelessly to secure scholarships for Afghan youth, mostly women, firmly believing that education is the key to our nation’s future, with women as the cornerstone. Simultaneously, I raised awareness about the need to protect and preserve Afghanistan’s rich cultural heritage, a testament to the resilience of our people throughout history.
Leaving Home, but Not Our Hearts
Yet, despite our best efforts, the situation in Afghanistan forced many of us to leave our homeland. The heart-wrenching decision to leave behind the land we love was not made lightly. We departed with heavy hearts, but our love for Afghanistan and its people remains unwavering.
Now settled in Germany, our hearts still beat for Afghanistan. We look back on our past experiences with a profound understanding that it is only Afghans who can truly build their own country. Our belief in the power of education as a foundation for a stable and prosperous Afghanistan has only grown stronger. And it is this belief that aligns so closely with the goals of the StayIn Initiative.
The Power of StayIn
The StayIn Initiative is not just a call to remain in Afghanistan; it’s a call to invest in our nation’s future. It’s a call for Afghans to come together, to educate themselves and their fellow citizens, both men and women equally, and to build a prosperous and peaceful Afghanistan from within.
As we look to the future, we are filled with hope that one day, Afghanistan will emerge into a brighter, more prosperous future—a future built on education, unity, and the unwavering spirit of its people.
Through the StayIn Initiative, we have the chance to contribute to the very ideals we hold dear. It offers a path to empower Afghans to be the architects of their own destiny. The road ahead may be challenging, but with education as our guiding light, we can turn the dreams we hold in our hearts into a reality—a reality where Afghanistan flourishes, where its people find happiness and prosperity, and where education becomes the cornerstone of our nation’s resurgence.
In closing, let us remember that the future of Afghanistan ultimately rests in the hands of its people. Together, through initiatives like StayIn, we can build a nation that reflects our collective aspirations for a better tomorrow.
Originally posted 2024-03-16 14:27:15.