Text of a message given to graduating students and their friends and family at Hewad #6 High School in Rawalpindi, Pakistan on May 25, 2002 by Steve Penners, president of the Afghan Women's Mission
Students and teachers of RAWA's school, Ms. Farina, members and supporters of RAWA, and distinguished guests.
It is my great pleasure to be here today, to see this new school, to see faces filled with hope which represent the future of Afghanistan. Thank you all for inviting us to come be with you today and a special thanks to all who worked so hard on creating today's program. It has been truly enjoyable.
As you are all well aware, Afghanistan has passed through and is still passing through some of the most intense tragedy on the face of the earth. It has been called the world's largest forgotten tragedy and each of you has a direct experience in this, whether it be by living as a refugee, having had family members killed or injured, living without security or hope or many other difficulties.
But in the midst of these problems, you are proving to the world and to yourselves that even without having many physical belongings or worldly security, that you have something more valuable than those things. You have the freedom to think, to learn, and to grow in wisdom and to develop your character.
The things of this world can be lost at any time, but the way you live your lives will endure beyond your physical presence affecting others across the barriers of distance and time. You have a great example before you, that of Meena, founder of RAWA. Her thoughts, actions and dreams have inspired others she never knew or met. Even those who wished to take away her life could not in any way diminish the bright shining example of goodness that she left.
As each of you studies and works hard in RAWA's school you are bringing positive change to both Afghanistan and the world. You have the opportunity to let your life so shine that others will be uplifted by your example as so many have been by Meena's.
I want to wish you all a very happy summer vacation and continued success in your lives and studies. Thank you.
