Let's welcome exiled students and faculty from Afghanistan: the appeal of the Academy of Fine Arts in Rome

Director of the Academy of Fine Arts in Rome Cecilia Casorati, together with President Giovanna Alberta Campitelli, published a letter on the institution’s website and official channels regarding the current situation that is happening in Afghanistan.

“Faced with what is happening in Afghanistan, one cannot limit oneself to superfluous analysis and commentary or to posting on social media frightening but ineffective images that crack, momentarily and perhaps only superficially, the August quiet”: with these words the letter begins. It continues: "In an interview with the BBC, Malala Yousafzai, a 2014 Nobel Peace Prize laureate, called on the world to not just watch but to act to ensure protection and safety for those forced to flee their country, and especially for women and girls, and reaffirmed the importance ofeducation as a tool for freedom and empowerment. She then concluded the interview, saying that the future of Afghan girls and young men is not lost if they can continue to study wherever they are."

The director emphasized that "expanding an already existing project to welcome two refugee students next academic year, the Academy of Fine Arts of Rome chose to listen to her words and, in keeping with the declarations of high state officials and the willingness shown by the Mayor of Rome, has decided to establish additional scholarships for Afghan students and some Visiting Professor positions." The institution also wants to promote the initiative and invites all Italian Academies, Conservatories, ISIAs and Universities to commit to host exiled students and professors according to their availability.

“At this time, it is imperative that the academic community shows unity,” the letter concludes, “allowing Afghan youth and young people to have a future and guaranteeing them the transmission of knowledge and the free exercise of thought.”

Let's welcome exiled students and faculty from Afghanistan: the appeal of the Academy of Fine Arts in Rome

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