Interview with Saira Yamin

Please give our readers a brief introduction of yourself.

I am an academic in the field of Conflict Analysis and Resolution. Currently, I am teaching at the Asia Pacific Center for Security Studies in Honolulu, Hawaii. Previously I have taught graduate and undergraduate students at the School for Conflict Analysis and Resolution, George Mason University, VA, and at Quaid-e-Azam University – Pakistan’s premier academic institution. Additionally, I have guest lectured at the University of Peshawar, University of Karachi, Information Services Academy (Islamabad); the American University, Washington D.C. and for Women in Security Conflict Management and Peace (WISCOMP), New Delhi, at their annual Conflict Transformation workshops. I have also appeared as a security analyst on Al-Jazeera, BBC, Canada TV, Pakistan Television and Voice of America.  My media experience includes French and English news reading for Radio Pakistan and as a DJ on FM 100, a popular radio station in Islamabad.  My writings have been published in the New York Times, the International Herald Tribune, the Christian Science Monitor, the Nation, the Politico, the Friday Times, the Daily Times, the News International, Journal for the Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies, Peace Prints, and the Foreign Policy in Focus.

Tell us about your background, education, family and where you grew up?

My father was serving in Pakistan Air Force when I was born and I spent many happy childhood years at a base known as Badaber Camp in Peshawar. Thereafter, my father joined the Foreign Service and I became what I consider myself still today, a global nomad. I feel I have roots wherever I have lived. During most of my teenage years I lived with my parents in Egypt and Algeria where I learned to speak French and Arabic and gained a deep understanding of Middle Eastern and North African cultures and societies.

How did you end up choosing the School for Conflict Analysis and Resolution at GMU?

My father was as an Ambassador and I aspired to follow in his footsteps. He was my mentor and felt this program would be just right given my professional aspirations.  While I did not eventually pursue a career in the Foreign Service for a number of reasons, I became firmly committed to the importance of this field.  I possess both a Masters and a Ph.D. in Conflict Analysis and Resolution.

Tell us about your PhD dissertation.

My dissertation research examines the problem of “state failure”. The term “failed state” is used rather liberally in Western policy circles, scholarly literature, and the media, often generating alarmist and confrontational responses.  I was motivated to contribute to a clearer understanding of the concept to guide scholars and the international policy community in thinking about and formulating more effective responses towards states in the Global South that are considered “failed” or at risk to themselves and global stability.  My research presents a comparative case-study of eight states in Africa, South Asia, and the Middle East, namely Pakistan, Afghanistan, Nepal, Iraq, Somalia, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Algeria. I explore their recent trajectories of violence and instability arguing whether or not they qualify as “failed states”; identify common characteristics that contribute to their fragility; and make recommendations for how the global community could best respond to and assist them with state stabilization processes.

What classes are you currently teaching at Asia Pacific Center for Security Studies (APCSS) in Hawaii? 

At APCSS, we have a number of courses on security studies, including Advanced Security Cooperation, Comprehensive Responses to Counter-Terrorism, Comprehensive Crisis Management, Transnational Security Cooperation, among others. In all of these courses I have lectured on South Asia; Conflict Analysis, Prevention, Management and Resolution; Women Peace and Security; and Terrorism.  Some of my lectures have a special focus on the security environment in Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Are you still playing a role in SAYA Trust? 

I am on the Board of Honorary Directors. I also donate funds on a regular basis to help with its operations.  The aim of SAYA Trust, as a charitable organization is to provide free education to the poorest communities in the environs of Islamabad.  SAYA Trust currently provides elementary, middle and high school level education and computer classes for children of the poorest.  The students include slum dwellers; refugees and internally displaced communities; and anyone else who cannot afford an education.  The school has a growing library and reading is encouraged as much as possible.  The children also learn to draw and paint and sing. Currently, SAYA has approximately 200 students and every effort is made to provide a quality education. Children learn about ethics, hygiene, and the values of peace and non-violence. Boys and girls are taught to interact with each other respectfully and protect those who are weak.

In addition to offering a curriculum that utilizes audio-visual technology, the SAYA Trust school organizes sports events, picnics, talent shows and many outdoor activities.  Recently, SAYA was able to arrange for the students to watch “Finding Nemo” in 3D with the help of a partner organization.  For most of the students, it was probably the first time to have an opportunity to visit a state of the art movie theater and watch a movie.  The expressions on the children’s faces as they watched the movie were just so heartwarming – worth every effort. You may like to check out the photos of their day at the movies and other events at https://www.facebook.com/SAYATrust.

Why did you decide to play a major role in finding the Saya Trust organization?

I come from a family deeply committed to the cause of education. My mother, Mrs. Safia Yamin, is a founding member of SAYA Trust. As an Air Force wife she spearheaded the establishment of many charitable educational institutes for the children of low-income workers in Pakistan Air Force. My parents also founded Pakistan International School in Cairo, Egypt, while my father was posted there as the head of mission.  At the time the Pakistani community in Cairo did not have many affordable options to send their children to a school where the curriculum was taught in English.  While my brother and I went to the British International School in Cairo, my parents founded the school to serve the community, with their generous support and involvement.  By the time my parents were leaving Cairo, the school was being upgraded to a college with the support of the Government of Pakistan.  Within a couple of years it had become so well-known in Cairo, the student enrolment represented about 18 nationalities.

How is SAYA effecting children’s education in Pakistan? 

SAYA aims to provide an alternative to kids on the street who might otherwise be forced to a life of crime.  The school provides uniforms, shoes and all stationery to these students. Friends across the globe have donated generously for maintaining and expanding SAYA over the years. We are very grateful for the support.

Have you or are you involved with any other nonprofit causes?

I worked for ActionAid Pakistan, an international non-profit organization working to eradicate poverty in Pakistan and many impoverished countries around the world.  I managed the Education unit for the organization in Pakistan, although it was not in a voluntary capacity.

Would you one day be interested in finding your own nonprofit organization in the United States?

I would love to establish an organization that helps provide higher education to students who cannot afford it regardless of their nationality, race, or creed.

What inspires you to promote education on such a widespread basis? 

Education is the most empowering tool that you could give to anyone. It is smart economics. It can change lives and transform societies. In Allan Bloom’s word “Education is the movement from darkness to light”.

What advice would you give our readers regarding humanitarian work and going the extra mile to give back?  

When we have more than others, it means greater responsibility to take care of our community, our society, and wherever else we can in whatever way.  Every one counts and anyone who is reading this probably has the capacity to make a difference no matter how small.  Just keep doing itJ It is a very gratifying and spiritually uplifting experience. If you have children, talk to them about the value of helping others and help them find opportunities to do so.

Lastly, what is your message to the readers of The Saturday Post?  

Anyone may sponsor the education of a child studying at SAYA Trust for as little $10 a month.  Relevant information is available on the SAYA Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/SAYATrust?fref=ts.