Ep 12. What Tomorrow Brings

In POV season 29 episode 12, titled "What Tomorrow Brings," viewers are taken on a journey to a remote Afghani village where a girls' school has been established by a passionate and determined woman, Razia Jan. The episode chronicles the challenges and triumphs experienced by Razia Jan and her young female students as they navigate the complexities of their environment and strive for an education.

The setting is Afghanistan's conservative and patriarchal northern region where the Taliban still exerts its influence, with many villages under their control. In this context, educating girls is seen as going against the norm, and Razia Jan's efforts are seen as a challenge to the established order. The film captures the intensity of the opposition to girls' education in the region, the dangerous risks faced by the students and the staff of the school, and the hope that these young girls have for their futures.

The story is told through the eyes of several of the girls at the school, as well as Razia Jan herself. The film shows how her determination to provide these girls with an education stems from her own experience of being denied an education as a young woman. Despite the odds against her, she worked hard to achieve a successful career in the United States, and later returned to Afghanistan to give back to her community. Her passion for education and her unwavering commitment to her students are truly inspiring.

As the film unfolds, viewers see that the school is faced with a host of challenges, from lack of funding and resources to the threat of violence. In a country where education is not a priority and where girls are often viewed as inferior to boys, Razia Jan and her school are fighting an uphill battle. Despite the risks, the girls are eager to learn, and the teachers are passionate about their work. The film captures these moments of hope and determination, as well as the darker moments of fear and uncertainty.

Throughout the episode, viewers are given an intimate look at the lives of the young students and how they balance their education with their home lives. We see the girls help their mothers with household chores, stand up for themselves in the face of disapproving male relatives, and dream of careers that were once considered impossible for women. The courage and strength of these young girls is both heartwarming and inspiring, and the film reminds us of the power of education to change lives.

Overall, POV's season 29 episode 12, "What Tomorrow Brings," is a poignant and thought-provoking documentary that highlights the importance of education, particularly for girls, in challenging environments. The film captures the spirit of resilience, determination, and hope that is present in these young girls and their teachers, and leaves viewers inspired to do what they can to support education for all.