From the Trenches, by Budd MacKenzie

First, I want to thank Jonathan Seclow, for making this newsletter possible. One of my pleasant responsibilities is to report to contributors how their funds have been spent. I have never had enough time to keep everyone informed. My “To do” list far exceeds my capacity to produce. Please review the August 2006 progress report (See link above). It provides a brief outline of the programs and projects TIE has undertaken.

The projects are very encouraging, but are not as significant as changes I’ve observed, both here and in Afghanistan. I have been fortunate to be invited to numerous Bay area schools to report on Afghanistan and the village of Lalander. There are now thousands of American children who are informed, aware, and feel a direct connection with Lalander’s children.

I wish everyone could have been in Afghanistan last March when I delivered valentine cards prepared by children at Springhill elementary school. The valentine cards were among hundreds of letters prepared by other American children. I can’t begin to capture the impact our support has had on the Afghan students. Suffice it to say that hope is running rampant in the halls.

There were two additional major developments in Lalander this year. First, the villagers agreed to form a shura (council) comprised of one representative from each of thirteen villages, and 3 maliks (village leaders). Our projects are now transparent, verifiable, and the product of widespread community input. TIE and the shura are well on their way to earning the villagers’ trust. I never fully appreciated the importance of trust, until I visited Afghanistan. Trust is the foundation upon which everything else must be built.

Following its creation, the shura agreed to the formation of a woman’s shura. The woman’s shura will implement programs and oversee businesses run by women. The shura provides a forum within which women can raise and address issues that are most important to them. Anyone familiar with the dynamics of Afghan societies, knows that the formation of a woman’s shura is a major step forward for the women. It’s also a major step forward for the men.

By providing education, health care, and economic development, TIE has earned a place at the table, or to be more accurate, a place on the carpet. While seated among the village leaders, we have advocated the most basic freedoms and values. It is clear from my encounters that there are far more Afghans who share our values, than fight against them. This partnership we’ve started has plenty of rough spots, but I’m very encouraged by where it’s headed.

Thank you for the support and interest you have shown. I leave for Kabul next month to “check the tires” and help the shuras prioritize their “Wish Lists”. I’ll have plenty of stories to share upon my return.