We recently interviewed Daniel Yomtobian, the Founder and CEO of Advertise.com about the recent Film Annex initiatives in Afghanistan. This is the first segment of our interview series with the thought leaders in the digital media industry. Stay tuned for more. Film Annex is currently building Internet classrooms in Afghanistan with the mission to improve the Afghan education system and the economy of Afghanistan. 

F.A. What do you think of Film Annex's initiatives in Afghanistan? 

D.Y. I think what Film Annex is doing is incredible. Making an impact by providing the means for students in Afghanistan to access the Internet is an important step in ensuring that no one is left behind.

F.A. Digital and social media have changed the political scenarios of several countries in the last two years. Can they also affect the educational and financial landscape? If yes, how so?

D.Y. I believe digital and social media can absolutely affect the educational landscape by leveraging new technologies to teach children in forward thinking ways we could have never considered before such as Khan Academy.

F.A. Is digital media the most efficient source that can educate the Afghan youth?

D.Y. If implemented properly, digital media can be a very helpful tool in educating the Afghan youth.

F.A. Can digital media and advertising sustain financially upcoming countries like Afghanistan and their educational system?

D.Y. Absolutely so long as it is accepted that the growth rates will take much longer than established countries.

F.A. How can digital media serve the emancipation of women and provide them with an independent education, connectivity, and financial freedom?

D.Y. Similar to what happened in Egypt, digital media allows peoples voices to be heard. Digital media empowers the people to join as one in accomplishing their unified desires.

F.A. What is your opinion on investing in the education of the Afghan youth and women by building schools in Afghanistan?

D.Y. I don’t believe this movement should be limited to Afghanistan, this should be a worldwide effort.

F.A. Our goal is to increase the average yearly income in Afghanistan from $900 to $8000. How long do you think this will take?

D.Y. I don’t have enough background on the current economic state and future plans to give an accurate answer. I will say I have concerns given what is happening with the Taliban revival.

F.A. Veterans have a prominent role in the Film Annex initiatives in Afghanistan. What is your opinion on (G.I.V.E.) - Global Initiative for Veteran Entrepreneurship and building veteran business opportunities?

D.Y. Veterans have given their lives to follow our government’s policies and initiatives. More often than not our veterans have little opportunities after coming back from war and are left by the way side. G.I.V.E is an excellent initiave.

More information on www.filmannexcorp.com/gives and www.filmannexcorp.com/film-annex-in-afghanistan