Cultural Heritage - Tumblr Posts
HELP MY AFGHAN FRIEND LEAVE AFGHANISTAN AND STUDY IN ITALY!!!
This young man of 24 years is a very ambicious and promissing scholar, unfortunatelly all his hopes have been truncated with the rise of the new regime. It is important to get him out of the country and help him reach for a better future. I’ve been helping him through the application process to get accepted to an MA course in Italy, but now he needs more substancial help. Consider giving him a chance to continue his education.
The platform we decided to use is a Czech one (I’m Czech) and is the only one that allowed us to collect the money even if the goal is not reached. You can make any donation you want, any amount will be helpful, just be aware it is in Czech crowns:
1 dollar = 24,30 Kč
1 euro = 24,61 Kč
!!!IF YOU CANNOT CONTRIBUTE FINANCIALLY PLEASE AT LEAST SHARE IT!!!!
Hello,
I’m A.*, an Afghan researcher, I graduated in Archaeology and Anthropology and have decided to continue my academic formation in Italy. I have applied to the prestigious University of La Sapienza (Rome) for a master’s in Cultural Heritage and I’ve already been pre-accepted to the course, which will start in October. Unfortunately, I do not have a lot of financial means right now to embark on this journey and I need your help.
As you may know, the situation in Afghanistan is not the best, especially for people like me. As a member of the Hazara (ethic) and the Shia (religious) minorities, I have been persecuted and my family threatened more than ever before. During my studies, I had the pleasure to work with and learn from international scholars, but you can imagine how this caused even more problems in the current regime. On top of that, my brother served as a soldier under the old government, which made it very difficult for the male members of my family to find a job and provide for our needs.
In the past years, I have dedicated my research to identifying and finding ways to preserve and revive women’s dances from Central Afghanistan. Sadly, this is not possible for me anymore, I have been threatened by extremists who are following my family and me because they firmly believe I have committed a sin in encouraging women to dance, and for that, I deserve severe punishment. Threats like these prompted many friends and colleagues to leave Afghanistan and reach for a better future in other countries.
I’m committed to protecting and preserving the rich culture of my country and I would like to give my best in doing so, that’s the reason why I want to continue my education abroad. Unfortunately, this proves to be much more expensive than I have imagined. Up to now, I have been in contact with friends from Italy who guided me through the process of applying for the university and for the visa, now I need to prepare everything for my departure.
The student visa to Italy alone will cost me 80 euros, which is a very high amount when you consider that my family has been surviving on $3 a day this winter. In order to apply for the visa, it is necessary to show sufficient funds to stay in Italy during the period of study, which amounts to a minimum of €6,079.45 per year. Additional money will be needed for official document translations, stamps, and administrative fees. In September, if all goes well, I should be flying from Tehran to Rome in time to enroll at university. Airfare will cost at least 800 euros and health insurance 125 euros for the year.
These expenses are really difficult for me to cover in my current situation, so I am asking for your help. The target amount of the fundraising is 6,000 euros in order to make all the necessary arrangements. I know this is a lot of money, but if you can contribute even a small amount to this sum, I would be eternally grateful for your kindness. Finally, please share this crowdfunding page with anyone you think might be interested in contributing.
Celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Day: Honouring Culture, Resilience, and Heritage
Shaina Tranquilino
June 21, 2024
In many countries around the world, indigenous peoples have long been the custodians of unique cultures, traditions, and knowledge systems that are deeply intertwined with their lands. In Canada, National Indigenous Peoples Day stands as a testament to the resilience, contributions, and ongoing struggles of the First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples.
A Day of Recognition and Celebration
Established on June 21st, National Indigenous Peoples Day is a time for all Canadians to recognize and celebrate the rich cultural heritage and diverse contributions of Indigenous peoples. This day not only highlights the achievements and talents of Indigenous communities but also serves as a reminder of the ongoing journey towards reconciliation and understanding.
Honouring Culture and Heritage
Central to the celebrations are the diverse cultural expressions of Indigenous peoples, ranging from traditional dances, music, and storytelling to art, cuisine, and language revitalization efforts. Each of these elements serves to showcase the depth and resilience of Indigenous cultures that have withstood centuries of adversity and continue to thrive today.
Acknowledging the Challenges
While National Indigenous Peoples Day is a day of celebration, it is also an opportunity to reflect on the historical injustices, systemic inequalities, and ongoing challenges faced by Indigenous communities. Issues such as access to healthcare, education, clean water, and housing remain significant barriers for many Indigenous peoples across Canada and beyond.
Commitment to Reconciliation
In recent years, there has been a growing commitment to reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada. This includes efforts to address historical grievances, promote cultural awareness and sensitivity, and support economic and social development within Indigenous communities.
Moving Forward Together
As we commemorate National Indigenous Peoples Day, it is crucial to recognize that true reconciliation requires ongoing commitment and action from all sectors of society. This includes advocating for the rights of Indigenous peoples, supporting Indigenous-led initiatives, and fostering meaningful dialogue and understanding.
Get Involved
There are numerous ways individuals and communities can participate in National Indigenous Peoples Day:
1. Attend Local Events: Many communities host events such as powwows, cultural exhibitions, and storytelling sessions.
2. Educate Yourself: Take the time to learn about the history, traditions, and contemporary issues facing Indigenous peoples in Canada.
3. Support Indigenous Artists and Businesses: Purchase Indigenous art, crafts, and products to support local economies.
4. Advocate for Change: Raise awareness about Indigenous rights and support initiatives that promote equality and justice.
National Indigenous Peoples Day is not just a day on the calendar but a reminder of the ongoing journey towards healing, understanding, and mutual respect. By celebrating the cultures, achievements, and resilience of Indigenous peoples, we can contribute to a future where all peoples can thrive in harmony with each other and the natural world.
Let us use this day as an opportunity to listen, learn, and stand in solidarity with Indigenous communities as we strive for a more inclusive and equitable society for generations to come.