Meet Ahmad Shah Wali
Flying a kite is one of the most exhilarating experiences a child or an adult can have. A sense of pride, joy, and accomplishment washes over them as their eyes watch this object that they built fly into the sky. Flying kites helps family bonding. What better way to spend a weekend afternoon than building and flying a kite together? Regardless of your participation level in kite flying, there really is nothing sweeter than spending an afternoon in the great outdoors with your kids.
I grew up in Kabul, Afghanistan. The weather is more or less like Albany. During the winter we used to make and fly kites. When I was a little boy, I was very active and adventurous. I was always outside, making and flying kites. I spent time with family, learning the skill to make kites. Those were the most memorable activities of my childhood. When I came to the United States in 2017, I found out that there are some limited activities in terms of kite flying. I therefore decided to teach my kids and other kids how to fly.
You should be proud of learning about other cultures, skills, and arts. I want you to learn about my culture, kite making, and kite flying so you can have fun. You should be patient if you don’t get it right on the first try. Artists did not become artists overnight, they went through many difficulties and struggles and finally learned the skill. You should have patience and not be discouraged by what you are learning or trying to make.
Ahmad Shah Wali at Middleburgh Advantage Program
As part of the Culture,Community and the Classroom program of Local Learning, Ahmad Shah Wali worked with Schenectady School District art teacher to introduce Afghan kites into her elemenmtary school art classroom. The resulting lesson plan can be found at Local Learning’s Website
To request a school visit request, please contact Ahmad via email at Ahmad_shah_morr@yahoo.com