Walk on By

Their dress is as unique as their culture. They all have a story to tell and we too often walk on by.

Engaging Minds

This morning I woke up with the sound of helicopters hovering just above our heads. It made me think of the opening to the TV program, M.A.S.H. – but without the background music. Indeed, there is a constant buzz of insecurity fluttering in the psyche of people in Kabul.

Non Governmental Organizations (NGO's) have played an important humanitarian role in Afghanistan - and yes, helping people to forget about overhead helicopters is part of it too. By November 2003 there were more than 1,600 NGO’s registered with the Government of Afghanistan and the number has been steadily growing. Their mandates range from producing jobs to overseeing production; from building bridges to restoring buildings; and from exposing smiles on concealed faces to resealing wounds from exploding land mines.

In recent discussion with colleagues and friends, I have been introduced to a couple of NGO’s, both of which have a book describing a story about Afghanistan:

Turquoise Mountain Foundation: Led by CEO, Rory Stewart Turquoise Mountain specializes in urban regeneration, business development, and education in traditional arts and architecture. They seek to provide jobs, skills, and a renewed sense of national pride to Afghan men and women. Book: Places in Between by Rory Stewart at Amazon.ca

Kabul Beauty School: Created by Deborah Rodriguez, born and raised in Holland, Michigan, the school provides a haven for women to share their stories, heal, strengthen and carry on. Her book describes what it takes to launch and run an NGO in a war torn country. Book: Kabul Beauty School: An American Woman Goes Behind the Veil by Deborah Rodriguez at Amazon.ca

Photos taken in Kabul in 2008

Capturing Hearts

With three weeks left working in Kabul and the uncapping of St. Valentine’s Day around the corner, I cannot help but share my craving for family and friends in Canada. Back at home where temperatures have reached the -40 C, sending heaps of warm loving thoughts is quite timely and a great way to workout the sags and swells of the heart.

To no surprise, working overseas for prolonged periods can be heart wrenching for the international worker, regardless of the degree of harmony and attraction existing between the people, the work and the international worker. Thankfully, there are several computer aided telephony options and of course the internet to keep in touch.

Still, international workers stationed in Kabul have found many other ways of coping with the separation from their families and the isolation caused by the frequent restricted mobility alerts. Some internationals partake in a Kabul “Hash”, some play Frisbee in secured areas, learn how to read, write and speak Dari, pursue their distance learning programs; while others workout at gyms located in their guest house or local compounds. There are also evenings for card players; trivia question night, karaoke competitions, and the odd shopping excursion on Chicken Street.

By having more freedom and involvement with community based grass roots projects, some internationals working for Non Governmental Organizations have the opportunity to expand - quite gracefully - the breathing space available in Kabul. (to be continued)

Photo taken by Sophie Swire February, 2008.

Springing a Meltdown