KABUL - Since he was nine-years-old Wais Ahmad Hikmat has been the editor-in-chief of the Rafahi Naw Jawan (Teenager Welfare), a bi-monthly magazine published for and by young volunteers.

“When I realized there was publication for young adults, I decided to start one,” Hikmat, now 16, told UNAMA News.

Based out of Herat, the magazine has a circulation of 3,000 copies distributed for free in four provinces in the western region – including some remote areas. Issues include stories about education, science, culture and sports, interviews with other students, and poems.

“Youth want to speak up for themselves about issues that are important to them, and express themselves in ways that appeal to their peers,” Hikmat said.

The magazine is also an advocacy tools to fix and build new schools.
“When the magazine reached the desks of education officials, they took action. Schools were built or repaired. I believe this was our best achievement,” Hikmat said.

He funded the first editions with pocket money given by his parents and relatives for Eid. As the magazine grew in popularity, people sent in contributions, and organizations – such as the AINA Foundation and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) - got involved.

Hikmat wants to expand the publication with professional design and publishing, and send his teen reporters on the road around the region.

For that, he needs more funding.
“Future publications are at stake,” he said.

By UNAMA Herat