Stealing the Light portrays the inspiring work of Afghan refugee, Dr. Mohammad Khan Kharoti, founder of Green Village Schools.
Project PeacePal will be hosting the world premiere screening of an inspiring documentary, Stealing the Light, and a concert by world-renowned oud virtuoso Rahim Al-Haj. For VIP ticket holders, a reception with Afghani food and an opportunity to meet filmmaker Aimie Burns, Green Village Schools Founder Dr. Mohammad Khan Kharoti, Rahim Al Haj and Master of Ceremonies, Emmy award-winner Chris Schueler begins at 5:30pm. The main event will begin at 7:00pm.
Stealing the Light examines the role of education in minimizing conflict and creating critical opportunities for children as well as creating infrastructure and stability in the region. This concept is examined through the story of Dr. Mohammad Khan Kharoti and his determination to build a school for Afghani children in his home town of Shin Kalay, Helmand Province, Afghanistan. Green Village Schools was founded in March 2001 with only 16 students and grew to over 1,200 girls and boys by 2008. Sadly, tragedy struck in October of 2008 when an unidentified group of men looted the institution, bulldozed it, and destroyed everything, leaving it in a heap of rubble on the ground. Through the words of former students and Mohammad himself we see the impact Green Village Schools had on the students and village of Shin Kalay as well as the devastating aftermath of its loss. The film follows Mohammad on his emotional journey to rebuild the school and documents that while many are mourning the loss of their school, they are eager to continue their education.
Founded in 2007, Project PeacePal is an international peace through education organization striving to create the next generation of leaders and peace builders through friendships and the application of peace building skills in daily life. Project PeacePal and Green Village Schools are collaborating to continue Dr. Kharoti's courageous project.
A photo exhibit featuring the children of Green Village Schools and a silent auction will round out the evening. Your attendance will help us rebuild the school and restore the light that was stolen from the children of Afghanistan.
For sponsorship information contact the PeacePal office: (505) 255-2042 | info@peacepal.org
Project PeacePal Project PeacePal is an international peace through education organization that strives to create the next generation of leaders and peace builders through international friendships and the application of peace-building skills in daily life.
It was founded in 2007 in order to build a way for young people around the world to experience each others' cultures based on friendship. By participating in PeacePal activities in classrooms, students throughout the world learn about life in far-away places, develop respect for other cultures and religions, and new solutions for creating a more peaceful world.
Project PeacePal is an international pen pal program available in countries around the world including: Afghanistan, Burundi, Canada, Gambia, Ghana, Guatemala, India, Israel, Japan, Nepal, Pakistan, Palestine, Senegal, South Africa, Togo, Uganda and the United States.
Our Programs
Project PeacePal is more than a letter writing organization:
It offers teachers a standards-based literacy and peace skills curriculum that develops their students' ability to communicate ideas, resolve conflicts and become leaders for peace.
It is a service organization that helps improve the lives of PeacePals living in remote areas torn asunder by war and poverty.
Service projects have ranged from providing a generator to a partner school in Pakistan to providing mosquito netting to PeacePals in Africa and even providing the luxury of an ice cream cone for Tibetan students in Nepal. Project PeacePal also provides school supplies to participating schools around the world and subsidizes mail service in many remote areas.
Mission Statement
PeacePals are international friends who write letters to create a connected web of compassionate young leaders practicing the art of peace in daily life. As conflict arises out of misunderstanding and ignorance, PeacePal's international connections bring insight that in the midst of cultural diversity, there is an underlying common yearning for peaceful relationships based in respect.
