Afghans for Progressive Thinking (APT) was founded in 2010 by a young college graduate who had the vision of a peaceful, tolerant, open and progressive Afghan society, a vision which is shared by hundreds of thousands of other Afghan youths. Prior to founding APT, He had begun the journey toward his vision by organizing intercultural dialogues between Afghans and internationals in Lucknow, India, where he was working to earn his bachelor’s degree in Political Science.

APT is the largest youth-led national organization that works to promote peace and critical thinking among youth and children in Afghanistan. APT uses two social theories of change, namely contact theory of change and critical thinking theory of change, to reach its vision. The ability to think critically builds an individual’s capacity to potentially challenge existing social, political, economic and cultural systems in constructive and transformative ways. In addition, contact theory stipulates that an increased contact with ‘the other’ opens channels of communication, creates shared spaces and experiences, builds the understanding of the challenges and realities of the other’s contexts, which, in turn challenges misconceptions, reduces prejudices and fosters respect towards diversity.

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