masha hamilton - world literacy

Photo by: Kathleen Rafiq

AFGHAN WOMEN’S WRITING PROJECT

The Afghan Women’s Writing Project, begun in May 2009, is an effort by U.S. women authors and teachers to work with young Afghan women on developing their literary voices in telling their stories. When permitted to attend school, these women are often not encouraged to seek higher education, yet they are driven to further their education, share their lives and reach across borders. Outstanding author/teachers volunteer their time on a rotating basis to work online with young women in some of the most conservative provinces as well as the capital.

CAMEL BOOK DRIVE

The ongoing Camel Book Drive began in February 2006, following a visit Masha paid to the real camel bookmobile in northeastern Kenya as research for her novel The Camel Bookmobile. Hundreds of authors, book groups, libraries, literary festivals and individual readers contributed books to the project, as well as funds to buy camels, book boxes, and a transportable tent to provide shade. Begun with help from MJ Rose and Susan Ito, the outpouring of contributions allowed the camel library to expand its services, from Garissa where the first camel bookmobile began, to Wajir, closer to the border with Somalia. Books are still being sent to help the nomadic schools in the area, where books and supplies are often close to non-existent.

Afghan Women’s Writing
Project Blog
Afghan Women’s Writing
Project newsletter archives:
June 2009 July 2009 September 2009 October 2009 November 2009 December 2009 January 2010 February 2010 March 2010 April 2010 May 2010
Afghan Women's Writing Project in the news: Video of the AWWP March 8, 2010 event in Los Angeles, CA 'I am for Sale' audio
on Quirky Nomads Los Angeles Times Op-Ed:
‘I am for sale’ Women's eNews Hear Masha talk about the Project Huffington Post Al Jazeeraa Belletrista World Focus Publishing Perspectives
Camel Book Drive website
Watch a video about the Afghan Women's Writing Project