First Writings
(Alam Nachrab)

In an Afghan village, Naim, a boy who is about 9 years old, goes to traditional school. He learns the Koran taught by a mullah. But the custom has it that, at the end of the “Alam Nachrab” verse, the mullah must tie the boy’s hands which hold a writing reed. A fettered Naim has to gather presents from his family for the mullah as a token of his gratitude. Then he will be freed. His parents give the mullah an unusual present…