“Tired of the war, young Afghans dream of education,” says Jesuit priest.
(June 08, 2011) “Young Afghans are tired of the current warring situation in the
country and want a life of peace and security,” said a Jesuit priest. “Afghan
children dream about education and hope that one day, their nation will be united
and on the path to peace” said Fr. Stan Fernandes, a priest from the Jesuit Province
of Pune, Maharashtra - India, who for the last five years, has been in charge of
the Jesuit Refugee Service , JRS - in Afghanistan. In that period, he has promoted
small initiatives in favor of education for youth of different ages. Afghans between
the ages of 12 and 25 represent 68 per cent of the population, yet few have an opportunity
to go to school. Some of the young female students who attend school said -“Young
people like us will lead the country one day. This generation, which experienced conflict
and exile, needs to be empowered, in order to focus their energies, enthusiasm and
potential to promote peace and development in Afghanistan.” Fr. Fernandes said “The
reputation of Jesuits in offering first class education is well known. It has enabled
us to build bridges of understanding and trust between our institutions and local
authorities.” Despite their small number, Jesuits have made a significant contribution
in the past five years in terms of both short and long-term projects. By training
local teachers and staff, including at the university level, they have improved the
lives of the most marginalized young people.