FARMINGTON – Afghanistan makes news headlines frequently, but what does the average American know about the country, it’s culture and history?

After receiving an offer to exhibit photographs from Afghanistan, the University of Maine at Farmington’s Diversity Committee decided to promote a month of activities geared toward helping students and the public better understand Afghanistan.

The program, Afghanistan Beyond The War, was launched Thursday with an overview of the country’s history and culture by Associate Professor Scott Erb of the University of Maine at Farmington.

“We as Americans, the general public and decision makers,” he said, “are bad at understanding other cultures. Understanding the culture and history of a country help define what is possible and what can be done.”

He shared a story of one Malaysian student at another university whom he asked how she liked America. She told him that she loved America, but thought that everyone here believes every foreigner has a little American inside waiting to get out.

The story exemplifies one of the foundational ideas of the Diversity Committee.

“Since we’re in the business of educating, we think it’s important for students to see things from a perspective different from what they grew up with,” said Diversity Committee member Valerie Huebner.

A variety of programs including speakers, an art exhibit, films, a puppet show and a discussion on the book “The Kite Runner,” have been planned to explore the deep, rich culture of this country.

The Gold Leaf Institute will offer its members a traditional meal and a program on the country’s music provided by Beverly Dunst.

Guest speakers this month include Roya Mohammadi, a Smith College student who lived under Taliban rule, who will appear at 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 21, in Thomas Auditorium of Preble Hall.

Sally Goodrich will give a talk on promoting education in Afghanistan at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, March 22, in C131 of Roberts Hall. Goodrich, who is from Vermont, lost a son in New York on 911. After his death, she has been active in promoting education in Afghanistan and has brought students to the states.

A reception for Goodrich and Mohammadi will be held at 5 p.m. March 22 in the UMF art gallery where Huebner hopes students and the public will have a chance to meet these women and talk about the real lives of those in Afghanistan.

The public is welcome to participate in these events.