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Transcript/Script Press Freedom Afghan Radio Education
HEADLINE: Banned From Classrooms, Afghan Girls Turn to Radio
TEASER: With girls in Afghanistan denied an education, Hawa Radio is trying to fill the gap with literacy shows
PUBLISHED: 12/11/2022 at 4:13
BYLINE: Shaista Sadat Lami
CONTRIBUTOR: Roshan Noorzai
DATELINE: Washington
VIDEOGRAPHER:
VIDEO EDITOR:
SCRIPT EDITORS: JJ, Sharon Shahid, djones
VIDEO SOURCE (S): Hawa Radio | VOA Afghan Service (Hawa granted permission for usage))
PLATFORMS (mark with X): WEB __ TV _x_ RADIO __
TRT: 2:51
VID APPROVED BY: mia
TYPE: TVPKG
EDITOR NOTES: ))
((INTRO))
[[With girls across Afghanistan denied access to schools, a radio station in Khost province has stepped in to broadcast literary programs. VOA’s Shaista Sadat Lami has the story.]]
((NARRATOR)) ((B-roll: Hawa Radio studio – Reading Book))
A Hawa Radio presenter reads from a book. Today’s lesson: Learning English. The broadcast is part of the station’s “Radio Teacher” show, which broadcasts in Pashto and English.
((B-roll: Kids and women reading and writing))
The weekly show, launched shortly after the Taliban seized power, was a way to reach Afghan girls in eastern Khost and Paktia provinces who are blocked from attending school.
((For radio: Muben Merza is the managing editor at Hawa Radio))
((Muben Merza, Hawa Radio)) (Male, Pashto))) (Video1: 00:50 – 01:07)
“Because many of our compatriots in remote areas have no access to education or schools, we started our radio programs.”
((NARRATOR)) ((B-roll armed Taliban patrolling the streets))
Since the August 2021 takeover, the Taliban have imposed strict restrictions on women, including a ban on girls from sixth grade attending schools.
((B-roll Women reading writing))
The staff at Hawa Radio say audience surveys show many women in the region are tuning in. Among them is Sana Samon.
((Sana Samon, Khost Province)) (Female, Pashto))) ((Video1# 1:59 - 2:13))
“There is no school [for girls] in our village. Thankfully, Hawa Radio has a good program. They have books for the radio show, and we learn from them. My other sisters are also learning.”
((NARRATOR)) ((Video#)) ((B-roll Hawa Radio control room))
With a mission of “giving hope,” Hawa Radio broadcasts several programs on the radio and the internet.
((B-roll Stills -- Hawa Radio talk show and conference))
Locals, including Mujahid Malang, say the program is beneficial, particularly for girls.
((Mujahid Malang, Khost Province)) (Male, Pashto)) ((Video: 3:19- 03:46))
“These programs aired by Hawa Radio are appreciated. I can see that girls take their books and learn in their homes.”
((NARRATOR)) ((B-roll: Only boys going to schools - Wire))
While residents are happy to have access to a literacy program via the radio, they want the Taliban to end their ban on formal education for girls. Akhtar Sahar finds it upsetting that his little sister can no longer go to school along with him.
((Akhtar Sahar, Student)) ((Male, Pashto)) ((Video: 2:47- 03:11))
“Every morning that I go to school, I get upset. She also gets upset, saying, ‘My brother goes to school, and I stay at home.’ I demand from the ruling government to open girls’ schools as soon as possible.”
((NARRATOR) ((B-roll: Girls Schools Closed -- Wire))
It has been nearly 14 months since girls were permitted a full education.
The Taliban have given mixed responses about educating them, saying it is a religious or cultural issue, or that classes for girls will resume when the environment is safer.
But calls from inside Afghanistan and the international community to end the ban are growing.
((Shaista Sadat Lami, VOA News, Washington.)
NewsML Media TopicsArts, Culture, Entertainment and Media
NetworkVOA
Location (dateline)
Washington D.C.
Embargo DateDecember 11, 2022 20:16 EST
Byline
Shaista Sadat Lami, VOA News, Washington.
Brand / Language ServiceVoice of America - English
