Afghan Education Advocate Meets with Holton Students

On November 19, Razia Jan, CNN Top Ten Hero and founder of the Zabuli Education Center for girls in Afghanistan, spent the day with our students speaking about life in Afghanistan, the importance of girls' education, and the challenges young Afghan girls face. Jan's day began in Holton's Lower School where she discussed her book, Razia's Ray of Hope. These young students had the opportunity to ask questions about her school and life in Afghanistan. In the afternoon, Jan met with the 11^th grade Global Perspectives class to talk about how culture, religion, and government affect girls' access to education in Afghanistan. Jan concluded her visit at Upper School Assembly where she presented a special private preview of her upcoming film "What Tomorrow Brings" scheduled for release in early 2016.

"I am trying to give these girls education - not just education of teaching them how to really learn something - but teaching them how to respect themselves, how to protect themselves, and how to go forward to help others," stated Jan during her presentation to the Upper School.

The students were very moved by Jan's words. Several of them approached her after she spoke. Sophia Burton '24, a current fourth grader, was so grateful to have met Jan that she gave her a thank you note saying "Thank you for coming to our school! I look up to you because you are a true leader."

"Razia's discussion in my Global Perspectives class and presentation during Assembly really resonated with me, and when she mentioned that people had the opportunity to sponsor a student and pay for a year of her education for only $300, it struck me how such a small contribution on our parts can have such a huge impact on one's life," said Mary Clare Onufer '17.

Jan's mission echoes Holton's commitment to preparing young women to make a difference in a complex and changing world. Her visit was part of a school-wide effort to cultivate an understanding of global cultures, environments, economies, and political systems, both inside and outside of the classroom.

Holton's Director of Global Education Melissa Brown stated "Razia Jan's story affirms our students' understanding that changing our world is not idealistic, lofty, or unattainable. It's possible through empathy, community work, tenacity of purpose, and a desire to understand our human condition. Razia reminds us that together, we can affect positive change!"

From left to right: Sophia Burton '24 handed Razia Jan a thank you note; Lower Schoolers were mesmerized by Jan's presentation; Jan showed pages from her school's yearbook.