In this special episode of the IDS Between the Lines podcast, Jigyasa Agarwal – a journalist, development practitioner and current master’s student at IDS – interviews IDS Alumni Naimat Zafary.
In this personal and powerful account, Naimat, talks about his journey to becoming a Master’s Student at IDS after he – along with his family – was evacuated from Kabul Airport on the 24 August 2021 when the Taliban took over.
Naimat talks about being offered a Chevening Scholarships to study at IDS, his journey to get out of Kabul Airport through chaotic scenes, and his time at IDS and his new home in the United Kingdom here in Sussex.
Finally, Naimat talks about how education is key for Afghanistan and his hopes for the future.
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About the interviewee
Naimat Zafary, was an undergraduate and a Master’s student at Kabul University. He has worked for the National Environmental Protection Agency and the Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development in Afghanistan. He began working for the United Nations Development Programme in 2013, focusing on human development, and in 2020 published a report, Pitfalls and Promise, about the potential of Afghanistan’s extractive industries.
After he left Kabul with his family on the 24 August 2021, he joined the MA in Governance at the Institute of Development Studies (IDS) when he graduated this year. He is currently doing a PhD at Sussex University.
About the Interviewer
Ms. Jigyasa Agarwal is a development practitioner who has extensive experience in social impact projects in India. She is a communications specialist with half a decade of experience as a journalist and has actively reported on the 2019 Anti-Citizenship amendment Act demonstrations in India and the 2020 Delhi Riots. She has worked as a Misinformation Specialist with Reuters focusing on fake news on social media platforms including Twitter and LinkedIn.
Currently, she is pursuing a Master’s in Governance, Development, and Public Policy at the Institute of Development Studies. She has assisted Development researchers in IDS and the London School of Economics with her areas of interest being Governance of formal institutions, Gender, Climate Change, and Sustainability.
About the Between the Lines podcast
This podcast series explores ground-breaking ideas in development for positive social and environmental change. Each month we feature an interview with an expert in international development who will talk about their latest research and ideas.
Episodes content could feature authors of new books, IDS research or interviews with special guest stars.
The discussions give an insight on the themes covered, exploring the challenges and discoveries, and why the issues matter for progressive and sustainable development globally.
Send your comments and episode suggestions to [email protected]
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