Sponsored by Education Unites – the scholarship program for refugees at Deree – The American College of Greece

23 June 2023

19:00 – 21:00

In the welcoming space of ​​the Youth Network of the Network for Children’s Rights, Konstantinoupoleos 189, 10444

Two books have just recently been published, written by two young men, Afghans, who came to Europe in the influx of refugees in 2016 – 2017. 

The first book, The Brave Daughter of Kabul, by Fardin Joinda, is a social – political novel, that mixes fiction with the reality of the situation in Afghanistan and Iran. Its aim is to raise awareness about the plight of women in Afghanistan and to shed light on the ongoing struggle for freedom and human rights in Iran. The novel follows the struggle of the main protagonist, a 16-year-old girl who seeks education under the Taliban regime, and the challenges she faces with her family.

The second book, Long Way From Home, by Jawid Danish, is the story of his odyssey, as a 12-year-old boy, escaping the violence in Afghanistan, making his way to Europe, and eventually building a new life for himself in Helsinki.  His book brings to life all the details of his journey, and he takes on for himself the responsibility to describe for readers not only his own experiences, but to broaden the perspective and give a voice to the hundreds of thousands of others who have taken similar journeys.  

The main characters in each book discussed experience many difficulties, but each have a number of instances where some “guardian angel” steps in and helps them cope with the challenges of their refugee life. Both books teach the importance of people helping the very vulnerable – the compassion shown to each character made it possible for them to continue.

Deree – The American College of Greece is hosting a book discussion with both Fardin and Jawid, moderated by Deree faculty member Maria Sfakianaki.  The presentation will include readings from each book and also a more thorough discussion of the bigger themes, of the way in which refugee works of art (books, films, poetry, painting) express not just the stories of the situation in the home countries of these artists, but also their ways of adjusting to life in the west.  This presentation will stress the ability of art to speak across cultures, to encourage broader understanding among people of different backgrounds, and to be a springboard for activism in bringing about a world of human rights for all.