IBB Bulletin: Underground schools in Afghanistan awarded for their courage
Faisal is announced as a keynote speaker at the Oslo Freedom Forum, Afghanistan's underground schools receive a well-deserved award, and our team in MENA continues making progress against all odds.
Salaam, Shakers, and Knowledge Seekers!
Imagine a place where courage meets innovation, where education flourishes against all odds. That's right; we're thrilled to announce that the fearless pioneers behind Afghanistan's underground schools have been honored with the prestigious Axel Springer Award for Courage. IBB is so proud to support these schools, which are needed now more than ever in the face of harsh Taliban rule.
In a country where challenges often overshadow opportunities, these clandestine educational hubs have become beacons of hope, defying adversity to provide learning where it's needed most. Their recognition shines a spotlight on the resilience and determination of educators and learners alike, proving that even in the darkest of times, the human spirit can triumph. This remarkable achievement demonstrates the boundless potential of education to transcend borders, both physical and ideological, and embodies exactly what IBB aims to achieve in the region.
Next up, get ready for a cultural collision of conscience and comedy as Faisal prepares to be a keynote speaker at the 2024 Oslo Freedom Forum, promising to bring his unique blend of wit and wisdom to Norway's shores!
Picture this: the stage is set, the spotlight shines, and in strides Faisal, an Iraqi dynamo with a voice as bold as the alluring scent of my upstairs neighbor’s homemade kebabs. Faisal doesn't just talk the talk—he marches to the podium with the swagger of someone who's stared tyranny in the face and refused to blink. With every word, he weaves a narrative that's part Middle Eastern saga, part classical liberalism drama, and all about the pursuit of freedom. So, grab your popcorn and your passport and meet us in Oslo this June, because Faisal is about to take us all on a wild ride through the ups and downs of diplomacy in the desert and abroad—and trust me, you won't want to miss a single word.
(Okay, so I might have exaggerated the ‘swagger’ part, but the rest is true.) Faisal and the whole team at IBB are honored that he has been invited to speak on the main stage at OFF this year. Shout out to our friends at the Human Rights Foundation, who never fail to put on an amazing event highlighting freedom fighters around the globe. I’m getting a bit weary of saying this, but, congratulations, Faisal! Don’t be nervous; it’s just one of the biggest speeches of your career thus far. No pressure.
Lastly, despite the ongoing turmoil and concerning developments in the Middle East, Ideas Beyond Borders persists in pioneering constructive pathways.
In the heart of conflict-ridden landscapes, innovation emerges as a beacon of hope, shining a light on the path toward reconciliation. In the Middle East, where ancient rivalries have often overshadowed progress, forward-thinking minds are flipping the script. From groundbreaking startups fostering cross-border cooperation to revolutionary technologies bridging divides, innovation is proving to be the unexpected peacemaker. After all, when creativity thrives, walls crumble, and differences transform into opportunities for collaboration. So, let's raise a toast to the disruptors, the inventors, and the dreamers, for in their hands lies the power to turn conflict into cooperation, one innovation at a time.
And with that, I'll sign off for now. Remember, in a world full of challenges, be the innovation that lights up the darkness and the courage that refuses to back down. As always, we appreciate your invaluable support.
Yours,
Reid Newton
Lead Editor, Ideas Beyond Borders
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Defiant Brilliance: Afghan women educate the next generation
Despite being barred from university, women volunteers for a movement called The Bookies are committed to creating a reading culture among Afghan youth.
“It doesn’t matter if I cannot go to university. I will give my full energy to The Bookies and the youth working with us to create a positive and peaceful environment for children. They have an uncertain future, but through our sessions, they learn that they can educate themselves by reading and create a new environment built around learning.”
IBB’s Innovation Hub program is honored to support underground schools in Afghanistan, and we’re thrilled that they are being recognized for their courageous work.
With a secret network of schools for girls, the winner of the Award for Courage stands up against the fundamentalist and misogynistic regime, risking her own life. Therefore, the award had to be presented anonymously and in the absence of the laureate.
“For me, the most painful injustice is that I cannot speak freely and publicly about the oppressive situation of women in Afghanistan,” wrote the award recipient in a speech that was read in her absence. “I cannot even celebrate this significant day with my closest family for fear of putting myself in danger. I wish I could accept the Award for Courage in person and return to my country fearless and with pride. This recognition will motivate me to work even harder. I will transform my pain about the injustices into strength.”
In January alone, IBB’s House of Wisdom 2.0 program has made many strides toward making the inaccessible accessible. Our team has translated The Greatest Story Ever Told—So Far and Fear of Physics: a Guide for the Perplexed by Lawrence M. Krauss.
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