Budd's October Trip

Raymond Nemati and I visited Lalander in September during Ramadan, a month when Muslims fast from sun up to sundown. I advised the men’s shura (governing council) that I chose to visit during Ramadan because I knew they would be too weak to argue. I tried to “do as the Roman’s do” but consumed a few Granola bars behind closed doors. Several after life points were, I’m certain, deducted in the process.

The purpose of our visit was to evaluate the status of programs, develop the 2007 “wish list”, establish an adult education program for the winter, and to demonstrate that we have not been driven away by the resurgence of the Taliban. While in Lalander we were able to accomplish the following five items:

At a cost of approximately $4,000, 135 families were chosen by the shura to receive a 220-pound sack of flour, a large can of cooking oil, and sugar, to assist them through the winter. Imagine selecting the poorest of the poor in a country where per capital income is less than $300 a year. Several members of the shura did not place themselves on the list. This is a very good sign that the shura consists of leaders concerned about the general welfare of the village.

A winter adult education curriculum was established for men and women. Four village homes provide literacy classes for women, now attended by over 80 women. Sixty men are attending two English classes. Finally, two literacy courses for women are being taught in TIE’s Kabul office. The total cost of each course including teachers’ salaries, food, heating, books and supplies is less than $150 per month.

More progress was made on the tree guards as well. The farmers of the village will install 5,000 tree guards at a price of forty cents each. These guards will help protect the trees from small animals that can otherwise destroy up to a third of the saplings when left unprotected.

We met with six members of the women’s shura that they had agreed to form last March. While it was apparent that the women had not been organized and didn’t fully understand what their role would be, they were able to identify a leader. The women's shura is now over 30 members strong! Please see the full article on the women’s shura article by clicking here.

In closing, I want to urge everyone to continue providing financial support to the villagers. They have demonstrated their commitment to change, at tremendous personal risk to themselves. Less than 200 miles south of Lalander, Afghans have lost their lives simply for educating girls. Lalander’s villagers aren’t sitting on the sidelines awaiting the outcome of the battles being waged in the south. We must continue to support their efforts on the frontline.