Category Archives: Education
His wounds were not caused by his enemies, but the inexperience of his friends.
While watching a short video about the technical skills and sometimes follies of the Libyan rebel forces, I was reminded that our inexperience is often the reason for both our success and our failure. Our success, in that inexperience is what gives us the courage to even try (hello Libyan rebels). If we knew initially how difficult our goals were to accomplish, I am not convinced we would even try. Our failure, because inexperience requires that we are often approaching each hurdle blind, without the hindsight to anticipate what might happen and how we ought to counteract any negatives. Read the rest of this entry
Sex Education: A Human Right?
Have you seen this film?
If not, you should and it’s on Netflix for your viewing pleasure. If you have seen the film, what did you think? Read the rest of this entry
Hope Resides in the Future
Hope resides in the future, while perspective and wisdom are almost always found by looking to the past.
- Greg Mortenson, Stones to Schools
Just when you think you’ve lost all hope, the women arrive with new perspective. Today was the first of a five-part seminar series I am facilitating at the local library. Our topic will change each week, but our overall focus will remain Women, Power, Control & Change in Tajikistan. I have literally just stepped away from my first seminar and am delighted to report that these women have already inspired me with their patience and persistence, their desire to progress, and their dreams for the future. Tajikistan can and will change. Most importantly, the women of Tajikistan want to change things. Read the rest of this entry
You Don’t Know Me!
Gulnora Yuldasheva, Khujand, Tajikistan 2011
Some people stick out, and not just a little. They stick out like multi-colored dogs (taken from a Spanish proverb; don’t ask me which one as I have no idea). Gulnora Yuldasheva is one of those people.
I met Gulnora on my first day of work at Saodat. She was huddled under what looked like an enormous stack of blankets. There was this little head and some hands peeking out from behind 2 scarves, 1 blanket, and a large winter coat. Assalamu alaikum (‘Hello’ plus a little ‘may Allah be with you’ business), I said as I had been trained to do in Dushanbe. Assalam …, she replied.
It wasn’t until a week later that I discovered the person underneath the pile of blankets. It turns out Gulnora is a delicate little woman with short dark hair and a frame that rises quit tall by Tajik standards. Don’t let this description fool you, Gulnora packs a punch, even from behind those blankets. From before I discovered her physical beauty, I was taken aback by the command she has in our office. She is clearly the go-to person for Tajik women, their needs and future goals. Immediately I thought to myself, Self, you need to get to know this woman. Read the rest of this entry
It’s Official
I am happy to report that after 3 years of planning, 1 Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarship, 5 lodging changes , 12 months of study, countless books read, and 3 months of not so patiently waiting … I now have a MA in Gender Studies; and with a ‘merit’ award thank you very much. Phew.
