Parami University's Academic Affairs Department has initiated an engaging session as part of its Guest Speaker Series, bringing accomplished lecturers from different universities from around the world to share their expertise and experiences with the Parami community, especially undergraduate students. The first event featured Dr. Victoria C. Fontan, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs at the American University of Afghanistan, who spoke on the topic of “Civic Engagement and Decolonial Peace: A Focus on the Alliance for the Education of Women in Afghanistan (AEWA).”
Dr. Fontan is a distinguished academic with an impressive background, including a Ph.D. in Peace and Development Studies from the University of Limerick, Ireland, and a Doctorate of Education specializing in Pedagogical Mediation from Universidad De La Salle, Costa Rica. Her extensive expertise in peacebuilding, education, and leadership was evident throughout her talk.
In her session, Dr. Fontan highlighted the critical role of civic engagement in fostering decolonial peace, focusing on the work of the Alliance for the Education of Women in Afghanistan (AEWA). This organization is dedicated to providing Afghan women and girls with access to quality education despite significant restrictions and economic challenges. AEWA achieves this by fostering collaboration among international and national organizations, offering online and face-to-face programs, bridging initiatives, and advocacy efforts.
The talk emphasized the transformative power of education in empowering women and girls while contributing to a more equitable and resilient Afghan society. Dr. Fontan explored how AEWA’s work aligns with the principles of decolonial peace by promoting local agency and resilience, fostering discussions that resonated deeply with students, faculty, and staff at Parami.
The event also featured an interactive Q&A session, where attendees had the opportunity to engage with Dr. Fontan, exploring topics such as education in conflict zones and the intersection of leadership, education, and peacebuilding. This dialogue enriched the session, leaving participants inspired and empowered by her global perspective and practical insights.
Parami University remains committed to fostering intellectual growth through such initiatives. The Guest Speaker Series will continue to bring visionary leaders to spark meaningful conversations and expand horizons, reinforcing the university’s mission to cultivate academic excellence and societal impact.
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