With a view to craft a new direction for peace and development through stories and culture, Plain Ink has established The Qessa Academy in Kabul.

Its objectives are:

1. Preserving traditional Afghan folktales by creating a venue for aging storytellers to convene and teach their craft to younger generations;

2.    Providing unemployed youth with storytelling skills and practical knowledge to create powerful stories, which can include development messages to entertain and help communities across Afghanistan thrive.

The Qessa Academy will run a  pilot in Kabul (March – August 2013), where 20 students will acquire skills in traditional storytelling, creative writing, English and community development (public health, food security, disasters preparedness etc.).

The Qessa Academy intends to offer 20 scholarships to allow all the students to attend the courses free of charge, learn new skills and be able to improve their CVs and work opportunities through internships at partner NGOs and institutions in Kabul.

Any bit helps and all donors will get:

		Regular updates about the students and the school in Kabul, including pictures and videos
		A final report with your name highlighted in the ‘Supporters’ section