Archived Document
First Class to Graduate from Arts and Architecture Institute
Jawed Ahmad Mansoori accepts his diploma from
Engineer Mohammad Reza Omary, from the
Ministry of Education. Looking on are
Dr. Thalia Kennedy, former Director of the
Institute and now Senior Education Advisor,
and Mr Waheed Khalili, current Director of
the Institute.
On February 16, Turquoise Mountain’s Institute for Afghan Arts and Architecture held a graduation ceremony in celebration of the first class of students to graduate from their 3 year programmes of study. Students of ceramics, calligraphy and woodwork were presented with diplomas by the new Director of the Institute, Mr. Waheed Khalili, as well as other senior members of Turquoise Mountain and the Institute. Furthermore, the students received their certificates of accreditation by the prestigious City & Guilds awarding body, which means their diplomas are internationally recognised and respected.
The ceremony was held in the beautiful Queen’s Palace, in the renowned Babur’s Garden, overlooking the snow-capped mountains of south-west Kabul. The ceremony was attended by members of the Government of Afghanistan, Canada’s Ambassador to Afghanistan William R. Crosbie, and US embassy representatives to recognize the students’ achievements in their studies, and to celebrate an important milestone in the life of the Institute and the careers of the students.
Canada is proud to support the work of Turquoise Mountain and has contributed $7 million over four years towards their efforts to rejuvenate Afghanistan’s traditional arts industry and restore a historic commercial and residential quarter of downtown Kabul.
