By Hannah White | Communications Director
The morning of August 25, a 10 hour assault on the American University of Afghanistan by unidentified militants came to an end. Witnesses recounted that the attack began with an explosion, which allowed militants to breach the campus gate and enter the premises. Gunmen in plain clothes then attacked students, teachers, and staff.
Students and teachers reportedly jumped out of second-story windows and leapt walls in an effort to escape.
The University is a growing hub for Afghan intellectualism, and boasts more than 1,700 students (many of whom are women). It was not surprising then that the U.S. State Department labeled the incident “an attack on the future of Afghanistan.” Afghan President Ashraf Ghani also spoke out about the incident saying in a statement, this “will not only fail to shake our determination, but will further strengthen it to fight and eradicate terror.”
This assault on education and peace hits at the core of our mission and our hearts. Central Asia Institute condemns this heinous act in the strongest possible way. In this time of grief we would like to share our condolences with those families who lost someone and send our wishes for the speedy recovery of those who were wounded.
Newton’s third law states, that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. Our reaction to terrorism and ignorance, is peace and education. So we are making a pledge.
For every student who was killed in this horrific attack, the global CAI family will provide a scholarship to send one student to school.
We cannot do it alone. We all grieve for the innocent lives lost. But grieving alone will not change anything. Let us fill the classroom chairs that are now empty.
The Guardian reports that at least 16 people lost their lives in the assault, including eight students and two professors, and dozens more were injured. These young women and men were the next Afghan leaders, the next Afghan peacemakers, and the best hope for a bright future.
Take a stand against violence. #Fill the chairs. The future of education in Afghanistan depends on the action you take today.
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