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A Story from Afghanistan: The First Day
For grades 5-8
Introduction: For twenty-three years, the country of Afghanistan has been plagued by drought, occupation by another country, war, earthquakes and terrorism. All this has affected the everyday lives of the people in numerous ways. One is education—most of an entire generation was unable to attend school. More recently, girls in particular were denied education.

Without education, the chances for moving out of poverty are slight. Being denied education, for whatever reason, is being denied a basic right. Fortunately, the situation for girls and women in Afghanistan is changing. This story tells of the hope that education is bringing to one family, and to their community.

Story:

Zakira’s mother knelt in front her and adjusted her white headscarf.

“There, you are ready for this important day!” she said. She smiled her beautiful smile and Zakira could see all her love shining in her eyes.

“Your first day of school is one to remember,” her mother said, dressing four-year-old Jilla. “I will always remember my first day too.”