Clinton School student Latif Salem, a native of Afghanistan, led a workshop Wednesday on socio-political and historical trends in his home country. A native of Mazar-e-Sharif, Salem discussed local, regional and global conditions there.
Salem sought to clear up misconceptions about Afghanistan and give fellow classmates an opportunity to ask questions.
“I’m glad I got the chance to clarify things about the ground realities in Afghanistan and the current situation there,” Salem said. “In reality, Afghans have been the victim of terrorism, communism and extremism. Peace and security is like oxygen for us.”
Salem earned a master’s degree in peacebuilding and conflict transformation from Eastern Mennonite University while also studying international development at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Mich. He has worked for the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the UN World Food Program as a monitoring and evaluation officer in Afghanistan for seven years.
The presentation marked the first event offered by the Multicultural Student Club, a group of UACS students with an interest in international affairs and cultural issues. The club plans to encourage more discussion around international issues, particularly through events that heighten awareness about international issues.
More student-led discussions will support the educational process and create more awareness about international issues, said Clinton School student Ratnasari Dewi (’11).
Eighteen students and faculty attended the session and found it to be helpful to understand the current situation in Afghanistan.
“The presentation was very informative,” said Clinton school student David Watterson(’11). “I see him every day and don’t get a chance to talk with him about his country.”
Several faculty members in attendance also felt the presentation was enlightening and helped shine a light on the complexity of the issue.
“I learned a lot,” said Clinton School adjunct professor Don Ernst. “It illustrates how we make too simple complex problems.”
The multicultural club plans to survey students to evaluate Salem’s workshop and to solicit ideas for future presentations. A potluck is planned before the upcoming graduation in May.
This post was authored by Clinton School student Todd Moore (’10).