Bringing Music Back to Afghanistan
The Taliban in Afghanistan banned
music because they said that music was sending satanic message to the people. Ahmad
Sarmast thought otherwise and decided to found the Afghanistan National Institute
of Music (ANIM) with the support of the World Bank. According to the director
of the World Bank the reason they support this institute is because they
believe that it is teaching the newer generation about the real value of music,
as well as, the heritage and culture if their country. There are about 150 students that attend this
music institute that are hoping to accomplish their dreams of being a great
musician. Not only does ANIM provide music education in Afghan and Western
music but they also offer regular education like math, geography, and language.
The institute provides their services to children that are impoverished and
living in orphanages because they want to give these children the opportunity
to become something great and become a productive part of the society. This
quote from the founder Ahmad Sarmast explains how the institute helps these
children despite where they came from, “Music can be a strong tool for bringing
about social change and development. Music teaches them how to listen to each
other, how to communicate with each other, how to respect each other. If they
can play in an orchestra, they can live harmoniously in society as well.” Along
with this idea the founder as well as other people that support ANIM believe
that children learning music is a good thing because it is considered “the
international language of peace.”
This music institute is a good idea
because it not only allows children to get a regular education but it also
allows them to pursue something that they are passionate about. It also is a
great idea because they are giving children that are in poverty the opportunity
to get a good education which they probably would never have to chance to receive.
I support this institute because they are teaching the younger generation that
no matter what circumstances they were born into that they can follow their
dreams, pursue something that they are really passionate about, and become
something great when they get older.
This relates to the United States because
at one point in history they decided to get rid of music programs in elementary
schools which didn’t sit well with parents and the community. Some schools
still decided to get rid of the music programs in the elementary schools
regardless of the communities protest and now the children are no longer getting
to explore if music is their real passion nor are they able to learn about the world’s
culture and heritage through music.
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