The Village of Lalander

Lalander is one of 5 villages in the Char-Asiab Valley located 25 kilometers south of Kabul. Before the effects of war, it was a beautiful serene valley with running streams.

All of the villages were leveled during the war with Russia. There are no phones, computers, or fax machines in or around Lalander. Its main income is generated from growing potatoes, fruit, onions, wheat, and corn which are sold in Kabul.

Lalander currently has approximately 350 families, but more refugees return every month. There is no permanent employment and most of the fields are still devastated. Many refugees return to destroyed homes, try to make it – can’t – then go to Kabul – can’t make it there and sometimes return to refugee camps in Pakistan.

From a distance all looks well.

The camera moves closer in.

Progress, like an ox is slow, steady and managed with considerable patience. Together we can restore Lalander to the lush serene farming community it once was.