In Memory of Jila Kashef: Breaking the Cycle of Poverty Through the Powerful Tool of Education
By: Shahri Estakhry
It is October—one of the most important times to recognize those who are experiencing or have experienced breast cancer and, importantly, the ones we have lost to this disease. My friend Jila was unfortunately among those we lost. She was not an ordinary person for truly she was bigger than life. She inspired me with her love and compassion for children in need. We often talked about how to help these kids and our resolution was education, education, education.
Her own life experiences lead her to start KCIS (Keep Children in School) on two continents and successfully educate more than 20,000 children. Her life, in her own words: “Due to challenging economic circumstances of my family in Iran, I began working during the day and attending high school at night after ninth grade. One of my first job opportunities emerged at the Social Service Center, the pioneer institution for social work education in Iran. This marked the inception of my journey in social work.”
Jila completed her education in Germany, obtaining a degree in Agriculture Engineering. With revolution and no possibility of working in her field of education, she immigrated to the United States in 1989. Here she began her collaboration with Sony Pictures in the field of Information Technology. “Following a 15-year collaboration with Sony Pictures, my early retirement became inevitable, due to recurrent battles with cancer.”
The power within her was the “hope” she carried so strongly to help as many children as possible. Jila chose the street children in the labor force. Many who also believed in this cause joined in and helped her. In her own words, “through the years of battling cancer, I remained resolute, dedicating myself to these pursuits alongside my personal challenges. As my health concerns evolved, I chose early retirement, affording me more time to devote to this cause. Unquestionably, these endeavors have enriched the tapestry of my life, with illness assuming a lesser role than anticipated.”
That illness took her and this was a great tragedy for our community and all the children who were the beneficiaries from “Khaleh Jila’s Group.” I will miss her greatly. Now I don’t know who to call when I need “brain collaboration.” I hope she is resting in peace for she endured much through this illness. One thing I’m certain of, I now know who my guardian angel is—dearest and beloved Khaleh Jila.
Behnoush Naseri Photo Exhibition
Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla
From October 11, 2023
The photo exhibition of Behnoush Naseri is taking place on the first floor of the Scripps Hospital in La Jolla, California. The theme of the photographs is mainly “nature.” This an excerpt from the exhibition announcement:
In this exhibition, you’ll discover my personal interpretation of beauty captured through the lens of my camera. These photos freeze ordinary moments and familiar scenes in timeless two-dimensional frames, inviting viewers to explore the eternal essence within. Photography, a silent language, speaks volumes, transcending social, cultural, and gender boundaries. It kindles our innate appreciation for beauty often overlooked in our hectic lives.
My aim is to utilize the proceeds from this exhibition to create a different kind of beauty in the lives of the less fortunate in my home country. I aspire to bring smiles and a measure of happiness to children lacking basic necessities of shelter, proper nutrition, and education.
To contribute to this noble cause by purchasing any item in this exhibit please feel free to reach out to me.
We understand that one half of the proceeds from the sale of the photographs goes to non-profit organizations to help needy children. The exhibition is open to the public.
Demonstrations in San Diego
On September 16, 2023, on the anniversary of the death of Mahsa Jina Amini that triggered national uprising in Iran, there were two gatherings by Iranians and friends in San Diego. One group gathered at Balboa Park and another at the intersection of Genesee and Balboa to commemorate the event.
