See Inside Quote of the Week 2. Personal Essays 6. Star Related “If you don't understand your- 3. Opinion 7. Literary self you don't understand any- 4-5. News 8. Interview body else." - Nikki Giovanni

Saturday, July 16, 2016 Vol. 1, No. 44 Star Educational Society Weekly

Interstellar (adjective): situated or occurring between the stars; conducted, or existing between two or more stars American English File, Star Educational Society’s new textbook system

Reprinted from No 34. A message from Ali Reza Yasa, Chairman and Founder

Beginner 2, American English File Level 2 will be used in Level 1 and Level 2, Ameri- can English File Level 3 will be used in The textbooks contain grammar, vocabulary, and Level 3 and Level 4, American English File Level 4 will be used in Level 5 and Level 6, pronunciation practice in every lesson and allow and, finally, American English File Level 5 students to develop a solid foundation for suc- will be used in Pre-Advanced Level 1 and cessful speaking. This system is best designed to Pre-Advanced Level 2. Each book contains a total of seven meet the needs and demands of the young Afghan units and 160 pages divided into two generation. parts. Three to four units will be covered in each 40-day semester. An absolute be- ginner can complete the courses in Eng- lish language including introductory, el- ementary, intermediate and advanced in tar’s quality control team enden: language + motivation = oppor- higher level of language awareness to be a total of sixteen 40-day semesters. It will conducted an in-depth com- tunity. The textbooks contain grammar, able to apply in their classes. The Second take an absolute beginner less than two parative analysis held in three vocabulary, and pronunciation practice Edition is even more student and teach- years to complete the Diploma of Eng- long sessions to determine in every lesson and allow students to de- er-friendly, with an updated design and lish Language and graduate from Star. which textbooks are best for velop a solid foundation for successful 75% new content for improved visual ap- Our graduates will be capable of taking ourS students. The decision was made to speaking. This system is best designed peal and topics that will engage and mo- TOEFL preparation courses and will be abandon the New Interchange system to meet the needs and demands of the tivate students. With this new system the ready to attend universities with English that we have been using since 2008 and young Afghan generation. semesters will be shorter, the tuition fee as the medium of instruction. Another replace it with Oxford University Press’ American English File is a series of six will be reduced and a student-centered advantage of this system is that language American English File. During these past books – Starter, Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, approach of language instruction will be learners benefit from numerous work- eight years, despite the effectiveness and Level 4 and Level 5. The books were first most instrumental. books which are supported by audio and efficiency of the New Interchange system, used in Kabul by the American Univer- American English File 2nd edition video CDs aimed at promoting students’ we discovered the need to adopt a more sity of Afghanistan. Previously the books will be applied from our elementary command of the topics they study in up-to-date, timely and interactive sys- were not readily available in Kabul book classes through Pre-Advanced Level 2. classes. The new system will be adopted tem. American English File Second Edi- markets but now local bookstores have American English File Starter will be used in B-E semester of Star starting from the tion follows the popular methodology them available on their shelves. This new for Junior Beginner 1 and Junior Begin- new classes in A Branch. Books are avail- developed by world-renowned authors system requires professional instructors ner 2, American English File Level 1 will able both at Star offices and bookstores Christina Latham-Koenig and Clive Ox- who are not only trained but possess a be used in Senior Beginner 1 and Senior around the city.

Eid, Happy moments or Researcher: Why JUnited Nations report: Nikki Giovanni nightmares? Hazaras Protest Iran’s missile program not Civil Rights Activist, Poet, Television At the NATO summit in Warsaw, there compatible with the nuclear Personality (1943–) Eid days and New Year are supposed to was a victory for Hazara activism. My Nikki Giovanni was born on June 7, be fun moments. I become happy when I friend Basir Ahang, agreement 1943. She published her first book of see smiles on the lips of every one, young, along with two other soul poems, Black Feeling, Black Talk in child, and old men who enthusiastically journalists, went to The Reuters 1968. Giovanni is a prominent poet await Eid and New Year to hang out with the press conference News Agency and writer who first caught the public’s their close friends, go on picnic, swim which was to be has reported that attention as part of the Black Arts in pool and fly kite in the free beautiful given by Ashraf Ban Ki-Moon the movement of the late 1960s. In 1967, sky.... Page 2 Ghani... Page 3 Secretary-...Page 5 she returned to... Page 7 Vol.1, No. 44 Personal EssaysFrom creative writing course by Ali Reza Yasa Eid, Happy moments or nightmares? Eid days and New Year are supposed to be Eid and New year turn out be our disastrous fun moments. I become happy when I see smiles nightmares as it compounds our irrelevant re- on the lips of every one, young, child, and old sponsibilities before Eid we have to wash the men who enthusiastically await Eid and New carpets, clean the windows and change the Year to hang out with their close friends, go on house decoration while boys, so-called princes picnic, swim in pool and fly kite in the free beau- of families, have to enjoy their moments and tiful sky. prepare themselves new clothes which girls do Boys and men already prepare fashionable like more. It is not fair one in pain and another new clothes before Eid so that in greeting with in joy. friends or relative, they should look gorgeous Eid would mean more and we can add more and impress others with their looks. to its concept if we start to bring pleasure and I enjoy and feel happy because I see my happiness in our family first, look after our fam- The positive environmental brothers and my father smile and are standing ily members and greet our family members if by my side and we still enjoy the warm atmo- they are internally pleased with our behavior impact of trees sphere of the family. However, there is still a instead of extending our relations with other void in my heart that I have not been able to fill. people and use Eid to strengthen our friendship. ses, allows countries that have That is the sense of inferiority. First, satisfy people in the same house living signed the treaty to meet their What I sense from the absence of girls and with you, hanging up with and looking for you carbon emission targets by cut- women on the street and their illogical pretext for their whole life time; that should be your first ting emissions or by planting they present me as to why they have failed to pay priority. forests. me a visit in person at our home. Trees keep us cooler, which On the other hand, I sound silly too in coun- means that less energy is used, ter when I am asked for not seeing them in per- fewer emissions are created, son or not planning to go on picnic or go amuse- and pollutant levels are reduced. ment park or fail to plan to go sightseeing at Eid. Shaded areas are naturally cool- We all intuitively understand each other’s er, and trees also keep us cool untold story buried deep in our hearts. Untold through a process called tran- words, stories and hopes which are brighter spiration that releases moisture than day but are neglected by you who unin- into the air. In the transpiration tentionally or who deliberately ignore our rights process, water is absorbed by and our existence. tree roots and moves through Why should we, girls, endure the house drudgery during Eid or even other times while About the author: Assadullah its trunk, branches, and leaves, boys are steeped in their enjoyment and we have Alizada is a Star teacher and where it evaporates into the at- to clean their mess? alumna. He plans to study stoma- mosphere. That is why I have mixed feelings about ar- tology and become a dentist. Urban areas experience a phenomenon that scientists call rival Eid. I obtain joy and pleasure as I see my Scientists have learned a lot the urban heat island. The tem- family members and my country men are enjoy- about how trees improve air and peratures of urban areas are 2-10 ing themselves and after long period of civil war water quality. Here’s a look at degrees warmer than surround- in which people endured too much pain, sorrow how trees help us have a healthi- ing areas. This is due to the prev- and humiliation. On the other hand, I loathe er environment. alence of concrete, asphalt and Eid or New Year arrival for it obstructs people About the Author: Fatima Mirzadah is a B Branch Trees have a tremendous tall buildings, and the absence of of my gender, girls, to be deprived and confined instructor and she is majoring in midwifery in effect on air quality. Through vegetation, including trees. The in home to wine and dine the guest, clean the Khatamolnabien University. She has been part of the pores of leaf surfaces, trees goal of many urban tree plant- house, prepare tea and cook. Star family for more than 4 years. absorb harmful pollutants pro- ings is to reduce the urban heat duced by humans, including island effect. nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur Trees also do a lot of heavy dioxide (SO2), ozone (O3), and lifting when it comes to keeping carbon monoxide (CO). Small water quality high. Water runoff particulate matter such as pol- in forested areas is much less len, dust, smoke and ash are than in developed areas. That’s trapped and filtered by leaves because tree roots help keep soil and branches. in place, preventing the erosion Some estimates conclude of soil and hills in severe storms. that 100 trees remove up to And trees slow water runoff by five tons of carbon dioxide, holding rainfall on their leaves 400 pounds of ozone, and 300 and branches and storing water pounds of small particulate mat- in their roots. This helps replen- ter. ish the groundwater supply and Trees use energy from the decreases flood potential. One sun to fuel photosynthesis. Think hundred mature trees catch ap- of it as a tree’s food production proximately 250,000 gallons of process. Photosynthesis con- rainwater each year. verts water and carbon dioxide In addition, trees actually absorbed from the atmosphere clean water as it passes through into carbohydrates that are used their roots on its way into the by the tree for nutrients. The groundwater supply. And shady by-product of photosynthesis is lawns conserve water because oxygen, which is released by the they need less irrigation, which tree into the atmosphere. So by also helps homeowners save absorbing carbon dioxide, the money. trees rid the environment of an It’s interesting to think about excess pollutant and, in return, how many different jobs that they give us oxygen to breathe. trees have. Everything in nature In fact, some governments is interrelated. In this way all the are starting to consider plant- parts of an ecosystem serve mul- ing trees to address air quality tiple purposes that aren’t always and global warming issues. The immediately visible to humans. Kyoto Protocol, the international That’s why so many problems treaty whose goal is to reduce create chain reactions which re- global warming by decreasing ally happen when humans alter the emission of greenhouse gas- the ecosystem.

Page 2 July 16th, 2016 Opinion Vol.1, No. 44 Researcher: Why Hazaras Protest?

At the NATO summit in Warsaw, countries for pledging support to Af- where I am doing research with Hazara there was a victory for Hazara activism. ghanistan (and in fact, Hazaras have asylum seekers. It is estimated that 60% My friend Basir Ahang, along with two gained much since 2001, are extremely of Afghan asylum seekers in Greece are other journalists, went to the press con- appreciative of NATO actions in Af- Hazaras, while they make up 20% of the ference which was to be given by Ashraf ghanistan, and in no way support the population in Afghanistan. I am here Ghani. When Ghani saw them there, he insurgency). However, he asked that, with people who have risked their lives left and did not give the press confer- while giving this support, NATO pres- and taken their children on a danger- ence. I had met Basir in Rome several sure the Afghan government to recog- ous boat crossing through the Aegean weeks ago, and he was unsure whether nize and take action against ongoing Sea, who know that it will be difficult to the protest would be successful. Now, discrimination against Hazaras. adjust to Europe, but who do it all the it seems the protesters have shown the Hazaras have been persecuted for same because it is very difficult for them president that when they raise their over 100 years in Afghanistan, and today to imagine a good life, a safe life where voices they, too, are powerful. it seems to them that while the Taliban they will not be judged and possibly Perhaps Ghani remembered the re- continues to target them, the govern- kidnapped or killed because of the way cent incident when a Hazara protester ment stands by. Hazara majority areas they look or the way they pray, in their in London, Jafar Ataye, was beaten by are often extremely underdeveloped, homeland. his security guards and did not want to and yet the government has done little People like Basir and his colleagues About the author: Melissa Kerr Chiovenda add to the embarrassment this (should to promote development in these areas, are fortunate in that Europe has wel- will finish her PhD in anthropology about have) caused. Basir and many Hazara as evidenced by the decision to direct comed them, but they continue to fight Hazara civil society activists in Bamyan, activists living throughout Europe trav- the TUTAP power transit line through for the rights of Hazaras in Afghanistan, Afghanistan in September. She teaches an- eled to Warsaw for the sake of peaceful a route that would not include Bamy- and hope that perhaps one day the day thropology at Emerson College in Boston, protest. In a speech given earlier, Basir an, the heart of the Hazara homeland. will come when they too can return in United States. expressed his appreciation to NATO I write this post from Athens, Greece, safety to their homeland.

About the author: Mursal Koshani volunteers with Star Educational Society’s partner, ROYA-Resources of Young Afghans. She will be starting her sophomore year at Berea College Broken… in the fall majoring in psychology. Afghanistan, The land of warriors’ battlefields A historical ground for defeat and victory Every particle of its soil Is a recollection of enemies’ residue Brick and mud houses yet breathe The history of its destruction Gray wooden doors, hanging open To welcome the handicapped resident Collapsed walls still reside To stand back as peace shelters In that playground, march the symbols of strength Those injured heavy tanks No more can they kill enemies No walls around, and open ground Have now become toys of joyless children No chairs, students with books under trees Children discover remnants of war The ruined map of my homeland Hidden in huge pile of junk Tells me stories of bleeding corners My white-haired grandmother Reminisce of old folks Tells me stories like horror movies Traces the hostile beauty of war She left her decades old house Today is another reflection All was lost but her children Of my land’s red painted history!

July 16th, 2016 Page 3 Vol.1, No. 44 News Brexit Economic consequences

Translated by: Emran Poya Source: Hasht-e-Subh

Millions of England residents went time that Pound valued less than US dol- to vote and decide whether to remain in lars, since 1985. European Union or not. The probable • Decrease in the prices of petro- withdrawal of Britain from the European leum: After the withdrawal of England Union would be a great occurrence in the from European Union was announced, sixty years of this Union’s history, and it the prices of petroleum decreased more will have different effects on both Eng- than 6 percent by the following Friday. land and the Union. The prices of unprocessed petroleum of Since the establishment of the Eu- America declined from $52 to $48 and 85 ropean Union and England’s member- Cents. The Prices of Bahrain petroleum, ship, the agreements and disagreements with a $3 and 9 Cents decrease, reached about England’s membership in the $47 and 82 Cents. Union have been the main concern until • Fall of the Union: The withdrawal of its withdrawal on 24th June, 2016. Britain from European Union can deteri- orate the situation for the other members The anticipated consequences of Eng- of this Union. There is a probability for land’s withdrawal from the Union: the rest of the member nations to ask for • Decline of labor force: by drop- renegotiations with the European Union come a great threat to the security and about 5 percent. According to the first ping Britain out of European Union, the about their membership conditions. stability of Europe. Therefore, 2016 is go- scenario 5.3 percent in 2017, and accord- refugees that came to England from Eu- • Decrease in security and power: ing to be full of problems for the Europe- ing to the second scenario, it will increase ropean Union would extremely decrease England and France are the only coun- an Union. Transiting from this crisis only up to 6.5 percent. work force in constructions and building tries that have the longtime membership depends on the Futuristic and realistic Second Scenario: The Britain’s Eco- services. of the Security Alumni, and it gave more view of European politics. nomic growth rate will be 8 percent in • Decrease of economic growth: Eng- power to the Union in its international 2017, and will gradually increase and land’s withdrawal would greatly decrease role to impact international peace and In this situation two scenarios can be reach 0.8 percent in 2018. Also, according her economic dynamism. The director of security. Because of the above reasons, predicted about England: to the second scenario, the unemploy- World Trade Organization during his trip England’s withdrawal from the European The first Scenario: The internal total ment rate will be 4 percent by 2016. to Landon warned that if England leaves Union may have destructive impacts on products of Britain will decrease. It is 1.7 According to the specialists of In- European Union, its competition effi- foreign policy and security of the Europe- percent this year and it will be 1.4 per- ternational Monetary Fund, in long run, ciency would suffer. an Union. European Union may encoun- cent in 2017 if it continues to be as it is. withdrawal of Britain from European • Decrease of money value: The rate ter the main problems of Terrorists, Euro, The increase of internal total product of Union, will adversely effect productions of Euro decreased 3 percent against the conflicts with Russia, crisis of Ukraine, England this year is 1.9 percent, and 2.2 and incomes in the country, because new US dollar. The rate of England Pound de- Identity, Unemployment, and Refugees percent is predicted for the next year. Ac- obstacles will adversely effect businesses, creased 10 percent and each Pound was that can damage the convergence of the cording to this scenario, the rate of un- enterprises and the production capacity exchanged for 1.33 dollars. It was the first European Union, and finally it may be- employment for 2016 is predicted to be of this country. Amnesty International concerns internal displacements increase

Translated by: Farid Shefayi Source: Daily Open Society Based on recently published re- nesty International for NA of Asia, port of Amnesty International, the said, “Though it seems like the in- number of internal displaced people ternational community has lost in- in Afghanistan have reached to 1.2 terest in Afghanistan`s affairs, we million. are endangering the people who This organization has published are suffering violence and will for- its report with the title “My Children get them.” He also added: “Though Are Going to Die This Winter”. The they have left their homes for a safer reason why people are escaping place, their current situation is hor- from their homeland has been stat- rible and they struggle for survival.” ed war and increasing violence. The recent report of Amnesty In this report, the situation of InternationalSTATELESSNESS AND has DISPLACEMENT been prepared < NRC in displaced people have been stated one past year. In this report, the gov- as bad as they even do not have ac- ernment of Afghanistan has been cess to drinking water, food, educa- blamed for not implementing its tion or health clinics. duty and to prepare a better life fa- STATELESSNESSChampa Patel, the AND CEO of AmDISPLACEMENT- cilities for internal displaced people.

1 Page 4 July 16th, 2016 Statelessness is a global human rights problem affecting millions of individuals, families and communities worldwide. To be left stateless was once described as “a form of punishment more primitive than torture for it destroys for the individual the political existence that was centuries in the development.”7 A person who is not considered as a national by any state will find himself vulnerable to further, cumulative human rights violations.8

While UNHCR estimates that there are at least 10 million stateless people worldwide,9 this figure expressly excludes stateless Palestinians and stateless refugees.10 A recent report suggests, for instance, that there are likely an additional 1.5 million stateless refugees to add to the global statelessness tally.11 This demonstrates the strong connection between statelessness and displacement; indeed, as many as one out of every three stateless persons in the world has been forcibly displaced.12

7 See U.S. Supreme Court decision in Trop v. Dulles, 356 U.S. 86 (1958). 8 See, e.g., UNHCR, Special Report: Ending statelessness within 10 years, 2014, available at: http://ibelong.unhcr.org/cms-web/ upl/entities/story/Stateless-Report_eng_final3.pdf; Women’s Refugee Commission, Our Motherland, Our Country: Gender Discrimination and Statelessness in the Middle East and North Africa, June 2013; see also Greg Constantine’s photography series, “Nowhere People: The Global Face of Statelessness”, available at: http://www.nowherepeople.org. 9 UNHCR, Global Trends 2013, available at: http://www.unhcr.org/5399a14f9.html. 10 For further discussions on UNHCR statistical reporting on stateless persons and refugees, see Statelessness chapter in UNHCR, 2013 Statistical Yearbook, available at: http://www.unhcr.org/54cf99f29.html. 11 Institute on Statelessness and Inclusion, The World’s Stateless, December 2014, available at: www.InstituteSI.org/ worldsstateless.pdf. 12 Ibid, p.143

NRC REPORT 7 News Vol.1, No. 44 Majician, don’t go please!

Translator: Jumakhan Rahyab Source: Nemat Rahimi During the three times that he re- "Claudio Bravo" captain of the win- gretfully could not make it to the most ning team was the first person who re- important Championship Cups, but the acted. He said, “I went to him and gave flashes the journalists’ cameras that were him consolation of 30 seconds, I'm sorry continuously winking to record his end- that he could not hear even one word less grief and to tell that he is the per- from me.” son who has lost, and simply count him The people are all just shocked what responsible for all the faults; whereas to do or what to say. Even his major critic they were not mentioning that Hegwain is shocked, asking him not to leave the missed a goal, and Lucas Bliya lost a pen- team by God, and do not leave them. “We alty as well. are nothing without you”. After the third failure the tears com- No one is so famous and talked about ing down from his eyes irrigating his face these days. Google and the news sites just to show that a Martian can also love his exploded as so many people searched his people and feel pain for his country. After name, and for the pictures of pearls fall- A man as big as Lionel Messi. Robin Williams in the movie "dead a moment he just thought and decided to ing down from his face. By the way why people like him more poets’ society" says: engineering, medi- go, and he said goodbye. Everyone wants to make him a con- than others (e.g. politicians)? cal and… are the things that we live with When he said goodbye, now it was solation, all right Leo; all the heroes had Have you asked it sometimes from but poem is the thing we are alive for, that the time that everyone could understand such days. Do you remember Franco? yourself? is why football and Messi should be add- how great and distinguished he is. Every- It is said that humans become dear The politicians may change the lives ed to the literature and poetry section. one forgot the loss, and even champion- after their death, and the heroes die two and take up and down but they do not Because he is not kicking the ball, he says ship of the rival team was affected by his times. But right now even the most for- color it, but these artists are the people poems in the rectangular green field. decision. midable enemies of Martian wizard weep who are coloring the life. Thanks Martian, Wizard and a great Don’t lose, but if you do, lose in a way for him. They cannot believe his absence, One said that politicians are the man. that there will not remain anything for and he was the person who was the rea- guests of the history, they come and go, We cannot tolerate your absence, the rival team to be happy for. son of all these motivations and efforts. but the artists are the hosts of the history. stay with us.

Obama Demand UK to Maintain their Role in Europe Security

Translated by: Walid Rahmany Source: BBC Persian not return to that era,” Jamal Mosawi. “The cold war is only in history now …” Barack Obama, who travelled to Poland Following the annexation of Crimean to attend the UK summit in Warsaw, had an Peninsula to Russia in Ukraine and Russia's exclusive interview with Financial Times, support for rebels in Eastern Ukraine, the Bal- London’s daily newspaper. He wrote that tic States are worried about repetition of such he expects the United Kingdom to maintain events and one of NATO’s goals is to assure their role in Europe security despite voting for these countries of their security. But United United Nations report: Brexit. Kingdoms’ vote to Brexit has created a con- On Friday and Saturday, 8 and 9 July cern that Western defensive solidarity may be Iran’s missile program not 2016, NATO leaders and allied countries met weakened. compatible with the nuclear in Warsaw in order to intensify the power and “Right now, the meeting’s atmosphere is security of this coalition and even strengthen affected by UK’s Brexit and the US’s Louisiana agreement soul the stability of countries outside the borders accidents,” said Jamal Mosawi. Barack Obama Translated by: Hadi Shaikhi of NATO. confirms that the US has a special relation- Source: BBC Persian NATO leaders are to formally agree to de- ship with Britain and says Britain will remain ploy four thousand forces in Baltic States; in- an active and effective member of NATO. Da- The Reuters News Agency has The 2231 resolution of the Security cluding Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania and Eastern vid Cameron is also expected to deploy 600 reported that Ban Ki-Moon the Sec- Council asked Iran not to have a Poland. forces in Baltic States. retary-General of United Nations movement regarding the ballistic BBC Persian reporter in Warsaw reports In addition, NATO leaders want to assure has written about Iran’s nuclear missiles that are able carry nucle- that security experts described the security members, especially Eastern European coun- agreement in a confidential report ar warheads, but no punishment measures “very high.” According to him, a tries that in case Russia attacks them, they that Iran’s missile experiment is is considered if Iran refuses this large part of downtown is closed to public will face UK, USA, Germany and Canada’s op- not compatible with the nuclear agreement. traffic and many other parts where foreign position. “The main contents of this meeting agreement and its constituents. According to Reuters report, delegations are located are being highly con- are strengthening NATO in eastern borders Mr. Ban has said in this report Mr. Ban Ki-Moon has asked Iran to trolled by the Police. This week's NATO sum- of this coalition, Middle East development in that whither Iran’s missile program withhold any kind of ballistic mis- mit in Warsaw will be the most important opposing ISIS, and maintaining assistance to and its experiments are in con- sile experiments, because this act summit since the end of the Cold War. “The Afghanistan,” Jamal Mosawi added. tradiction with Security Council’s will cause a major concern in the cold war is only in history now, and we should resolution regarding the nuclear region. program is still to be decided by Iran and World powers agreed the UN. with Iran’s withhold from a big The Reuters News Agency says portion of its nuclear activities; in that they have access to a prescrip- return, the international boycott tion of the six months reports of against this country will be re- nuclear agreement process that the moved. Secretary-General of United Na- The nuclear agreement’s im- tions has prepared for the 15 mem- plementation started at the end ber countries of the board of the of December last year, six months Security Council. after its agreement declaration and According to IRNA, Iran’s gov- Iran’s adherence endorsement to ernmental news agency, an official this agreement. Meanwhile, the of Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Af- Iran’s missile experiments are fol- fairs has asked Ban Ki-Moon not lowed by criticism of west for op- to address the contents of the six posing the agreement. months reports that contradict the Iran says that its missile’s text of nuclear agreement to the Se- program is not part of the nuclear curity Council. agreement and emphasized several There is no hint regarding the times that they will not withhold missile’s program of this country from their defense programs under in Iran’s nuclear agreement text. any circumstances.

July 16th, 2016 Page 5 Vol.1, No. 44 Star Related About English and Its Realm of Awkward Complexity

If Zis Mad You Smil, Pleas Pas On to Oza Pepl Reprinted from the Brussels Journal http://www.brusselsjournal.com/node/1606

Reprinted from the Brussels Jour- would become known as “Euro-English.” In the 3rd year, publik akseptanse and “w” with “v.” nal http://www.brusselsjournal.com/ In the first year, “s” will replace the of the new spelling kan be expekted to During ze fifz yer, ze unesesary “o” node/1606 soft “c.” Sertainly, this will make the sivil reach the stage where more komplikated kan be dropd from vords kontaining “ou” The European Commission has just servants jump with joy. changes are possible. and after ziz fifz yer, ve vil hav a reil sensi announced an agreement whereby Eng- The hard “c” will be dropped in fa- Governments will enkourage the bl riten styl. lish will be the official language of the Eu- vour of “k.” This should klear up konfu- removal of double letters which have al- Zer vil be no mor trubl or difikultis & ropean Union rather than German, which sion, and keyboards kan have one less ways ben a deterent to akurate speling. evrivun vil find it ezi tu understand ech was the other possibility. letter. Also, al wil agre that the horibl mes of oza. Ze drem of a united urop vil finali As part of the negotiations, the British There will be growing publik enthusi- the silent “e” in the languag is disgrasful kum tru. Government conceded that English spell- asm in the sekond year when the trouble- and it should go away. Und efter ze fifz yer, ve vil al be spe- ing had some room for improvement and some “ph” will be replaced with “f.” This By the 4th yer people wil be reseptiv king German like zey vunted in ze forst has accepted a 5-year phase-in plan that will make words like fotograf 20% shorter. to steps such as replasing “th” with “z” plas. The Story of UP Author unknown Lovers and haters of the English lan- when we awaken in the morning, why do ble, line UP for tickets, work UP an appe- add UP to about thirty definitions. guage might enjoy this.....How do non- we wake UP? tite, and think UP excuses. If you are UP to it, you might try natives ever learn all the nuances of the At a meeting, why does a topic come To be dressed is one thing but to be building UP a list of the many ways UP is word, English??? It is listed in the diction- UP? Why do we speak UP, and why are dressed UP is special. And this up is con- used. It will take UP a lot of your time, but ary as being an [adv], [prep], [adj], [n] or the officers UP for election and why is it fusing: A drain must be opened UP be- if you don't give UP, you may wind UP [v]. UP to the secretary to write UP a report? cause it is stopped UP. with a hundred or more. There is a two-letter word that per- We call UP our friends and we use it We open UP a store in the morning When it threatens to rain, we say it is haps has more meanings than any other to brighten UP a room, polish UP the sil- but we close it UP at night. We seem to be clouding UP. When the sun comes out we two-letter word, and that word is "UP." ver, we warm UP the leftovers and clean pretty mixed UP about UP! say it is clearing UP. When it rains, it wets It is listed in the dictionary as being used UP the kitchen. We lock UP the house and To be knowledgeable about the prop- UP the earth. When it doesn't rain for a as an [adv], [prep], [adj], [n] or [v]. some guys fix UP the old car. er uses of UP, look the word UP in the while, things dry UP. It's easy to understand UP, meaning At other times the little word has a dictionary. In a desk-sized dictionary, it One could go on and on, but I'll wrap toward the sky or at the top of the list, but real special meaning. People stir UP trou- takes UP almost 1/4 of the page and can it UP, for now my time is UP, so.... Time to shut UP...... !

Page 6 July 16th, 2016 Literary Vol.1, No. 44 51

About the author: Hadi Zaher was the first graduate of Quetta's branch of Star Educational Society in the year 1999. He has an MA from the University Stories of Wollongong in Australia and is currently a post-graduate student at the My Grandmother University of New South Wales. Told Me

here we were, banished, in a I got angry: small village that was divided What does that mean? The same as in to three parts by religion and old!? party loyalty. Our family and He opened up: the three other banished fami- I went to speak to Mirza Lalay. He Tlies from the village formed our own little looked at me but said nothing at all. He got group, our own little village. The com- up, picked up his shovel and walked away mander’s faithful used the main mosque to the farms in Lingaah without even say- for the commemoration. We, the unfaith- ing a word. ful, formed our own at one of the houses. “What! Why?” The families in Choona didn’t sway either I then walked to Choonah and speak way and formed their own group. to Mohammad Ali there. He told me that Moharram is a month for charity and my father-in-law Mirza Lalaee and my nazr. Back in those days the families in the uncle Aatay Rasheed had paid him a visit village took turns to make vows, prepare the previous night and informed him of the feasts, and organize the rituals for mourn- decision by the villagers to banish us. ing and story-telling. In Moharram that I was sad and startled: one year we anticipated the families to Are you sure!? I have been grooming a prepare with the same arrangements as sheep to sacrifice for the nazr this year. before. I knew that those in Choona would be Those of us in the Thayna-Aaghil usu- the first to prepare a feast. The next day, I ally got together for it all. Your father said waited for an invite. he was going away to speak to your mater- The morning passed, afternoon nal grandfather, his father-in-law, about came-by and the evening went but no one the arrangements for the month. He went came to us, there was no invite. away for long, and returned appearing In the afternoon I met Zia Gul and Her mother picked her up. She cried. lage, divided in to three groups by religion quite upset. young Shamsia. She was at the spring to I scolded her, and told her to do exactly as and party loyalty. fetch water. She was a child, innocent. She she was told by her family. I knew something was not right. I let could keep no secrets: That night they went to feast. The vil- Moharram = https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ him be at first, and then went to him to Grandma, we are going to Choona lage went there. We stayed home, had our Mourning_of_Muharram ask if the arrangements had been agreed tonight for the feast. We have been invit- meal at home, and we didn’t speak much. *Nazr = Religious vows upon. He tried to get away: ed. You haven’t. We are going to feast. You The families in Choona didn’t sway *Thayna = Lower The arrangement was the same as be- aren’t. either way but formed their own group. *Aaghil = Village fore. Nothing had changed. She laughed. There we were, banished, in a small vil- Allowables From the book Chasing Utopia: A Hybrid

I killed a spider Not a murderous brown recluse Nor even a black widow And if the truth were told this Was only a small Sort of papery spider Who should have run When I picked up the book But she didn’t And she scared me And I smashed her Nikki Giovanni Biography Civil Rights Activist, Poet, Television Personality (1943–) Nikki Giovanni was born on June 7, 1943. She published her first book of I don’t think poems, Black Feeling, Black Talk in 1968. Giovanni is a prominent poet and I’m allowed writer who first caught the public’s attention as part of the Black Arts move- ment of the late 1960s. In 1967, she returned to Cincinnati and established the city's first Black Arts Festival. She was the first recipient of the Rosa Parks To kill something Woman of Courage Award. Her unique and insightful poetry testifies to her own evolving awareness and experiences: from child to young woman, from naive college freshman to seasoned civil rights activist, from daughter to Because I am mother. She has been awarded an unprecedented 7 NAACP Image Awards; she has been nominated for a Grammy; has been a finalist for the National Book Award. She has authored three New York Times and Los Angeles Times Frightened Best Sellers, highly unusual for a poet, and is a University Distinguished Pro- fessor at Virginia Tech.

July 16th, 2016 Page 7 Editor-in-Chief: Ali Reza Yasa Editors: Jonathan Greenburg, Murtaza Qasemi, Murtaza Farjad Designer: Musa Autbin Distribution: Najibullah Malikpoor 0785103920 B Branch: Yasin Rezayee 0748009565 C Branch: Yadullah Rezayee 0776292665 Bamyan: Essa Omid 0773609598 Daikundi: Hamid Naderi 0767961513 Add: Star Avenue, Sabiqa Stop, Dehburi, Kabul. A Branch Phone: +93-785 10 39 20 / +93-744 56 37 55 Saturday, July 16, 2016 Vol. 1, No. 44 Website: http://www.star.edu.af Email: [email protected] Meet Fereshteh Forough, Founder of Code To Inspire An interview with Fereshteh Forough, republished from: http://feministwednesday.com/meet-fereshteh-forough-founder-of-code-to-inspire/ ers made me establish a social good en- tural constraints? Just give it a try first. terprise called, “Code to Inspire” during Sometimes as an outsider, it can be scary January of 2015. to think about programming and coding In November of 2015, we opened as potential careers, but when you start the first coding school in Herat, Afghani- learning about it, it really becomes enjoy- stan, where we are hosting 50 girls from able and fun. You will understand how it high school and Computer Science back- can be so empowering and helpful. You grounds to learn coding in a very safe and can create and design what you like, and joyful educational environment. We are you can change many people’s lives with teaching elementary web design as well your work. as developing mobile applications. We are If there is a higher male population not only going to close the gender gap but in certain field of study, it doesn’t mean also find job employment for our girls on- that women are not capable of doing that. line so they’ll no longer need to be worried Unfortunately, there are many societal, about any constraints keeping them away cultural and family issues that are holding from pursuing what they love. women back to join tech world. But don’t be afraid of challenges– they make you What have been the most challenging stronger and give you perspective in life. and best parts of your work? There are many challenges that I have faced, start- Any upcoming Code to Inspire initia- ing from the first day I thought about tives our readers should know about? Or how to make this happen to opening the ways we can get involved and support first coding school that female students your amazing organization? We recently in Afghanistan can join without worrying organized the first Codefest of women about security and cultural issues. Prepar- in Afghanistan starting from March 1st ing the right papers and documents here through March 8th. Students were being in NYC to operate as a legit 501 (c)(3) non- challenged to use what they have learned profit, and to raise the needed funds for so far (from education through Code to our coding school are also big challenges. Inspire) to design websites (using HTML The best part of my work is that everyday, and CSS) and develop a simple game I learn something new and meet inspiring (using Unity technology). There will be a people who share their knowledge with group of judges in Afghanistan and NYC me. It feels great to know that there are who will select the best projects and the 50 female students who are learning how students will be awarded. How many times have you heard or read January 2015. to code daily to change their lives and Af- We are also looking for partners who the phrase ‘women in tech’ over the past ghanistan’s future. can help us with designing our curricu- year or so? It’s become a buzz worthy Why did you decide to found Code to In- lum, providing educational and technical phrase, and for good reason– it’s 2016 and spire? And how does feminism play a part What advice would you have for girls consultations to our mentors in Afghani- the tech industry is still wildly male-dom- in what you do? During my life journey who want to go into programming, but stan, or helping us to raise more aware- inated. But for all the coverage the issue in education, there were many ups and are intimidated by the fact that it’s still ness and achieve our financial goal to gets, the conversation is generally West- downs which led me to think about how so male-dominated, or any other cul- keep our coding school running. centric. Meanwhile, women and girls in to improve the status quo of education for Afghanistan who want to break into the women in Afghanistan and specifically in industry are facing some unimaginable technology. Most of the time when a fe- hurdles. That’s why Fereshteh Forough male student graduated from Computer founded Code to Inspire, an organization Science, she couldn’t find the job related that’s teaching females in Afghanistan to what she studied. Unfortunately there coding skills, enabling them to pursue are many factors as to why. Familial and their dreams and careers in the tech in- societal limitations towards women’s em- dustry. In a culture where women’s educa- ployment are one aspect. Many families tion is still controversial, Fereshteh’s work prefer their daughter become a teacher is subversive, fearless, and undeniably im- because it is a well respected job in the portant. This week, we talked to Fereshteh community– you get paid well, and you to find out more about what compels her only deal with women. to do what she does. As a female graduate in computer science, if you get a job offer outside of Introduce yourself! Tell us who you are your hometown, many families won’t let and what you do. My name is Fereshteh you leave the city. Safety and security is Forough. I am from Herat, Afghanistan. one reason. Young women can’t travel by I was born in Iran as an Afghan refugee. ground even if they have a male compan- I moved to Afghanistan with my family ion. Not many families can afford to pur- As a female graduate in computer science, if you get a job one year after the fall of Taliban. I got my chase plane tickets for their daughters and Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science it is not part of our culture for a girl to live offer outside of your hometown, many families won’t from Herat University and later my Mas- in another city by herself, unless she has let you leave the city. Safety and security is one reason. ter’s from Technical University of Berlin a close and trusted family member to live Young women can’t travel by ground even if they have a in Germany. Currently, I am based in New with her. York City and I founded Code to Inspire in The above reasons and many oth- male companion...