Lesson of the Day: ‘What Will Become of Afghanistan’s Post-9/11 Generation?’

This Lesson of the Day will help prepare students to participate in our live panel on Sept. 30 at 1 p.m. Eastern about how Sept. 11 shaped the generation that grew up in its aftermath. You can register for the event here, and you can submit your questions here — we might use them during the panel.

Lesson Overview

Featured Article: “What Will Become of Afghanistan’s Post-9/11 Generation?” — a photo essay by Kiana Hayeri

In April 2021, President Biden announced that American troops would withdraw from Afghanistan by Sept. 11, 2021. Following the announcement, Kiana Hayeri, a photojournalist, began documenting the end of the 20-year occupation from the perspective of young Afghans who were raised in the decades after the U.S. invasion in 2001.

In this lesson, you will see the ways in which six young people who had lived in a world of new freedoms and opportunities suddenly found themselves in a changed world with the rise of the Taliban. Then, you will write a letter to one of the young people from the article, or to their family, sharing the ways in which you connected with their story.

Warm-Up

Discuss as a class or in small groups:

• What do you know about the war in Afghanistan? What about the U.S. withdrawal of troops and the Taliban takeover?

• Where have you received your information? News articles? Social media? Talking with friends and family?

• What questions do you have about what is happening?

If you need more information or context about what is happening, start with our Lesson of the Day about America’s longest war — its causes and its consequences.

The featured article focuses on the stories of young people. Watch this video of three young women sharing their stories of living in Afghanistan now, and then respond to the questions.

• What is one emotional reaction you had to the video?

• What is one thing you learned from the video?

• What is one question you have after watching the video?

Questions for Writing and Discussion

Read the article, then answer the following questions:

1. The writers describe the ways in which the lives of young Afghans are rapidly changing. What is one example or description from the introduction that helps you to understand and visualize those changes?

2. The article begins with the story of childhood friends, Karim, Gul Ahmad and Saeed. What is one way that you connected to their story of work and friendship? Choose one image and one quote that you think best illustrate that theme.

3. When asked what he wanted to be when he grew up, Gul Ahmad laughed. Based on the article, why do you think he responded that way?

4. What were Esmat’s hopes and dreams for himself and for his family? Why do you think Esmat both hoped for a future, but was also aware he might not live to see the future? Does that make you think of anything else you have read, seen or experienced?

5. How did the subject matter of the play that Maryam performed in become even more relevant for her and the other actresses? What does that story, both in real life and in the world of the play, demonstrate about fears that young women, like Maryam, have?

6. How did Naser Khan take a stand for his country? How did that place him in a dangerous situation during the U.S. withdrawal?

7. The article ends describing Kiana Hayeri’s last days in Kabul. As you read about her experiences leaving Afghanistan, what more do you want to know? Think of a question you would like to ask Ms. Hayeri and submit it as a 30-second video using this form.

Going Further

In the featured article, Maryam, 17, said to Kiana Hayeri, the photographer, “If you’re writing about this, please tell about the situation of Afghanistan.” Why do you think Maryam felt it was important to share that with Ms. Hayeri? And why do you think Ms. Hayeri chose to include her plea in the essay?

Write a letter to one of the young people in the featured article. In your letter, let that person know what you learned from the stories and photographs of young people in Afghanistan. You can share how it felt to read the words and see the faces of people living there now, and you can also let the person know how you personally connected to the stories you read. Then, ask one or two questions about that person’s life or current circumstances.

You can share your letter in the comments section of this article.

Additional Teaching and Learning Opportunities

Learn more about Lesson of the Day here and find all of our daily lessons in this column.