Lafayette's Commitment To Lalander

Central Asia Institute (www.ikat.org), under the leadership of Greg Mortenson, agreed with the villagers of Lalander to construct a secular school for boys and girls. TIE (Trust In Education) raised sufficient funds to construct and maintain the school for three years. Construction of the school began in March 2004 and is scheduled to be completed by the end of November. Enrollment should reach 250 students this year and 500 within a year.

Lalander is located 25 kilometers south of Kabul in the Char-Asiab valley. The valley was the site of several battles fought between the Soviets, Mujahideen, Taliban and Northern Alliance. Conditions have been described as "desperate with the remnants of war evident everywhere". Lalander's main source of income is derived from agriculture (potato, onions, wheat and corn, sold in Kabul).

Efforts are underway to identify ways TIE can assist Lalander with economic development by making micro-business loans, expanding agricultural production, improving irrigation systems, and providing capital for whatever will assist the villagers in becoming economically independent. Many Afghan children are unable to attend school because their families cannot afford to lose the income they produce. As income levels rise, education for all children becomes affordable. More importantly, every man, woman and child deserves an opportunity to rise above survival economics. TIE is developing ways to provide "seed money" to those who have none.

Letters and photographs are being exchanged between our villages. In time, people will follow.

The village-to-village concept has but one underlying principle. The commitment to education, economic improvement and mutual understanding in Afghanistan is for the long term. There are no short term or "quick fix" solutions.

Identifying and Assisting Those Working on the Frontline

Assisting Other Communities in Establishing a Village to Village Relationship

TIE believes strongly in the power of American and Afghan communities working together. Communication is the key to understanding. Hearts and minds remain locked in the absence of communication. TIE is working with several American communities involved in Afghanistan. We share what we've learned, the mistakes made, and the resources found. The free flow of information among village-to-village projects shortens the learning curve for those who follow. TIE also serves as a resource for Afghan and American communities willing to partner, village to village.

Expanding Awareness Within and Beyond our Community

Equally important to providing an educational opportunity for Afghan children is educating Americans about Afghanistan. To that end Trust and Education has undertaken the following:

1. Afghan refugee children living in Contra Costa County were invited and have spoken at every elementary school in Lafayette. Every fifth grader in Lafayette has learned about life in Afghanistan, life in refugee camps, and what it's like for refugees to live in America. The one-hour program enables our children to view pictures, maps, traditional clothing and artifacts from Afghanistan. Ample time is allowed to ask questions of the speakers. An Afghan snack is provided and the children are able to try on a burka. One parent commented, "My son couldn't stop talking. We talked about the visit for at least a week. He wanted to tell me everything."
2. Speaking engagements have and will continue to be arranged for civic groups, schools, and the public. A wide range of information and research is being shared with those who are interested.

   
   

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