The first millennials were born in 1980, the same year the Soviets invaded Afghanistan. This generation of Afghans has only known war, but is also better educated than any prior generation and represents the country’s future. Correspondent Jean MacKenzie, who lives and works in Afghanistan, profiles millennials in politics, business, education and the arts to understand the legacy of conflict and hope for a stronger society.

To read the individual stories of some of Afghanistan’s brightest, visit foreverstan.com.