.
To see these girls walking to school, delighted to be learning and spending time together in the classroom, writing their own names for the first time, reading their first words – I felt hope for the future. Not in a naive way but with the realization that if it’s working here, it can work other places, too.
CNN Heroes is all about recognizing everyday people around the world who are doing extraordinary things. They aren’t necessarily seeking the spotlight, but see a need out there — and commit to making change and helping others. Razia Jan exemplifies this ideal. Her dedication and passion to educating Afghan schoolgirls is remarkable. And when you learn more about her personal story, it’s even more compelling. She’s in her 60s and stepped out of her comfort zone to act on something that had been a dream for decades. I think her story just goes to show that you are never too old or too young to change the world.
What Razia’s doing is part of a transformative process – cultural process – that we’re seeing in Afghanistan. [Social] mores will begin to change.
All the way, these men have been changed – and are inspired and have hope for these girls and young women – that they will almost be their saviors. That they will become doctors and ministers and all these vital jobs that will change Afghanistan. And they’re seeing it. They’re seeing the light of it. And they’ve become allies. It’s really extraordinary!
Razia captivates audiences with her true stories of what life is like for many girls and women in Afghanistan as well as with her selfless devotion to improving life for females and all of society in her country of birth.
Through Razia’s Ray of Hope Foundation, she is empowering the girls and young women she serves, and she is providing opportunities for a stable and prosperous future for the people of Afghanistan.
[Razia] Jan spends as much time at the school as possible. She meets with her students’ fathers and grandfathers two or three times a year to address any issues and make sure she still has their buy-in. She also deals with community elders and locals to ensure that the school has local support.[Razia] Jan, who takes no money for her work with the school, believes the education her students receive will benefit not only future generations of Afghan women but the country as a whole.
The first and only time I had the opportunity to hear Ms. Razia Jan speak in person was eight years ago. As a cadet at the Air Force Academy, I volunteered to escort Razia during the National Character and Leadership Development Symposium she was invited to share at. That weekend was one of my fondest experiences at the Academy. What struck me (and has stayed with me) about Razia was her authenticity. She wanted no red carpet and humbly put me at ease like a friend, but spoke with great authority and clarity about her mission. Her message was laser focused on the girls she served. There was no pomp and circumstance, no organizational buzz words. Just passion and vision backed by action. She wasn’t just another speaker–she was a doer.
HIRE RAZIA
TO SPEAK
Please complete the form below and share as many details as possible.
We understand that you are still nailing down details of your event, but because Razia is in demand, we like to lock in potential dates early. Share what you can, and we’ll discuss the rest.
If you have questions, please contact Samantha Marinelli.
