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Dari is the most common language spoken in Afghanistan (77%), followed by Pashto (48%). There are many more languages that are less common as well.

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Dari is the most common language spoken in Afghanistan (77%), followed by Pashto (48%). There are many more languages that are less common as well.

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1. Afghanistan is multiethnic

2. Afghanistan has many natural resources and lies in the middle of trade routes, which has led to the region being fought over for generations.

3. Governance has shifted hands constantly, having been ruled by communists as well as the Taliban in recent decades.

4. Civil War in recent decades has fractured the nation and also led to the Soviet Union's occupation of the country.

5. The country is completely landlocked

6. The climate is generally a standard steppe climate and the nation has hot summers and cold winters, with mountainous regions throughout the nation.

7. Almost everyone in the nation is Muslim, the majority of which are Sunni.

8. Most of the population lives in rural areas

9. Religion plays a massive role in daily life and culture

10. Women's rights have been stripped to extreme degrees in recent decades. Evidenced by issues such as the closing of girls' schools and women being forced to give up their employment.

11. There continues to be massive political struggle in Afghanistan, as the Taliban currently controls the nation after a successful upheaval in 2021.

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1. Millions of people have been forced to flee during the many years of violence in Afghanistan, most recently from the Taliban and their violence.

2. There is mass oppression from those that hold power, such as the oppression of women in Afghanistan.

3. There is extreme poverty and food insecurity in Afghanistan.

4. Many are forcibly displaced, 70% of which are women and children.

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1. There are affordable living options

2. There are employment opportunities

3. Opportunity to find community with other Afghans.

4. Because of these reasons, many Afghans have come to MN from Afghanistan, as well as from other U.S. states.

From: https://www.startribune.com/a-year-after-evacuation-afghans-are-establishing-deeper-roots-in-minnesota/600332896

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A year after evacuation, Afghans are establishing deeper roots in Minnesota

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Census data shows that Minnesota’s Afghan community has more than tripled since 2018, reaching over 1,000 people in 2022.

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Culturally Relevant Teaching Materials on Afghanistan

- Books and Literature

1. The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini: Insight into Afghan culture, history, and conflict.

2. Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini: Focus on women's struggles in Afghanistan.

3. I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai: Provides context on gender, education, and human rights in the region.

- Documentaries and Films

1. He Named Me Malala: Documentary on education and gender rights in the region.

2. Afghanistan: The Wounded Land: Series exploring Afghanistan’s complex history from the 1970s to the present.

- Historical and Contemporary Context

1. Resources from United Nations or international human rights organizations to explore the impact of war and politics on Afghanistan.

2. Interactive maps and articles from National Geographic or UNESCO covering Afghanistan's history and culture.

Local Resources & Events (Minneapolis/St. Paul Area)

1. Afghan Cultural Society of Minnesota

- Hosts cultural events, talks, and celebrations for authentic cultural experiences.

2. Global Minnesota

- Offers global cultural events, including on Afghanistan, providing context and perspectives.

3. Minneapolis Institute of Art

- Exhibits Middle Eastern art and history, including Afghan contributions (possible field trip/resource).

International Institute of Minnesota

Works with Afghan refugees, offering resources on refugee experiences and integration.

Center for Victims of Torture

Focuses on mental health and resettlement of Afghan refugees, providing insight into contemporary issues.

Culturally Relevant Pedagogy

Connect Afghan history to contemporary global issues, like refugee experiences and resilience.

Have your students research Afghan immigrant/refugee stories and link them to historical events.

- Current Events

As an educator you can incorporate discussions on Afghanistan's humanitarian crisis using resources from Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, or UNHCR. Use current news sources like NPR or BBC to provide up-to-date, relevant stories on Afghanistan.

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Afghan Cultural Society – Afghan Cultural Society of MN