Two History Classes Discuss 9/11 with Afghanistan Counterparts

Posted on September 20, 2011

On Thursday, September 15, four days after the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, Beaver students participated in a Skype conversation with a group of students in Afghanistan.

Kader Adjout and Rodney Yeoh’s Political and Social Change classes gathered in the Rogers Room at 8:00 a.m., while the Afghan students joined in at the end of their school day.

The discussion focused on the impacts of the terrorist attacks on both countries.

Beaver students participate in a Skype discussion with students in Afghanistan.
Beaver students participate in a Skype discussion with students in Afghanistan

Beaver students heard about the positive and negative aspects of the last ten years in Afghanistan. While war disrupted life in Afghanistan, the students acknowledged that a lot of good has come from the changes in their country. For example, they referenced the prevalence of women in schools and a new, democratic government as being positive changes post-9/11.

Afghanistan students asked if Americans felt that a 9/11-type could not happen again. Beaver students responded that they thought the country was definitely more secure than prior to the attacks, but they also said they realize they can never feel 100% sure that a similar attack won’t happen.

These conversations allow both groups of students to gain insights in to the culture and perceptions of the other. Throughout the term, the students will meet again for further discussions.

Top Photo: Kader Adjout and a Beaver student speak with a student from Afghanistan.