The education center after the attack.  Photo Credit…Ebrahim Noroozi/Associated Press

Kabul, Afghanistan — Murder to punish school girls for getting an education?  I can’t imagine it.  Whatever is in the heart of a suicide bomber? Will his god actually reward him for killing school girls?

A suicide attack on Friday at an educational center in Kabul killed at least 19 people, mostly young female students, and wounded at least 27 people.  At least one attacker shot his way into the center and detonated explosives in the latest string of attacks on schools.  For some girls, the move to close schools and the recent string of attacks on education centers have emboldened them to continue their studies however they can — whether applying for visas to study abroad, forming informal study groups among their peers, or taking courses at education centers like Kaaj.  Arezu Hassani, 14, was about to begin ninth grade when the Taliban took over last year and girls’ schools were closed indefinitely. Desperate for any way to continue learning, she began taking mathematics and physics courses at a branch of the Kaaj education center.  She was not at the center on Friday morning, but the attack rattled her parents, who told her that they would no longer allow her to go to classes, fearing for her safety.  “I am so sad,” she said. “I cannot even explain my feelings.”

Many are determined to study no matter what.  “They want to prevent us from getting education, but they cannot,” said Ms. Haidari, a student who witnessed the blast.  “No one can stop us.  We are not going to give up.”  {Updated casualties are 33 killed, 80 wounded.)

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I love my county!  The worst thing about it is that it’s in Ohio:   

Earthlings (that’s us) have removed 33% of our forests.  It has been estimated that if everyone on earth planted one acorn, nut, seed or seedling once a year for the rest of their lives it would take 2,341 years to restore Earth’s forests–if no more trees were destroyed.   Those who care suggest direct seeding, the collecting of acorns and nuts, sorting, then placing them directly in the ground, where they become less accessible to wildlife, improving their odds of survival.  For inquiries regarding the seeding and preparation  contact  athenscountydirectseed@gmail.com and a hotlink can be provided for more specifics. Thanks to Todd Swearingen for the info on direct seeding provided in his letter to the Athens Messenger September 21.