Stories from Afghanistan
A letter from Afghanistan
It often takes some time for the goods that we send to be fully distributed. We received this email from a group working in Afghanistan after they had finally given out all that they had received. They were sent a great variety of goods, some, like sewing machines, were from Hong Kong, whilst the bicycles, for example, originated in Australia. It’s wonderful to read that these goods are being used so creatively and effectively in such a desperate context.
“Dear Crossroads,
The goods donated in the container helped the local people of our town in many and varied ways – some enabled them to stay warmer during the coming winter, some eased their transport needs for getting to school, while others were enabled to sit on chairs in classrooms, rather than the floor, make items to sell in the bazaar and support their families through their work.
Some bicycles were donated to a local orphanage. Boys from this school normally walk a long distance into town to go to school (it took us 10-15 mins by car over bumpy roads to get there), the bicycles donated help them to get into town sooner (especially in the winter).
Winter clothes were given to the women’s prison, helping them to cope with the cold winter temperatures. Winter clothes, baby sleeping blankets and other bedding were given to returning refugees, and some poor families identified in our community to help them cope with the cold winter.
’A’, the mother of Farhad was given some fabric from the distribution container. She was also lent an electric sewing machine (household quality) from another office. She is using the fabric to make baby clothes that she’ll sell in the bazaar. She’ll use the money she earns from that to buy her own materials to make more products to sell. Once she sells those products she should begin to realize a profit. So, the materials, in combination with the loan of the machine will help set her up in business for herself.
Another local office ran 2 Business Readiness Seminars for illiterate and semi-literate ladies. They used a story to help these women understand the basic principles of business. Then the women were invited to role-play the characters in the story. After each role-play, the women discussed the experience.
At the end of each seminar, they were given a bag of sewing supplies and challenged to use the materials to make product for sale. Then, with the proceeds, to buy additional material.
The strongest students in the group were also supplied with a roll of mosquito netting. They’ll use that to make baby-cot nets for sale. In this way, the women are being helped to kick off their own small businesses.
It's been wonderful working with you, and thank you all again for sending the container through to us, the people of Afghanistan were greatly helped through it!”
Walking with the broken
The very name of this country conjures up images of war, dust and blood. A tragedy played out over many generations, as the people of Afghanistan have tried to recover from war and hardship only to face new conflicts. This is a land where hope finds it hard to take root, where it is difficult to believe in a better future. But there are those who are walking this hard road with the broken.
Following an initial visit from Crossroads’ staff, in February, we were able to send a 20-foot container of goods to Mazar-i-Sharif, northern Afghanistan. These goods were distributed amongst hospitals, schools, kindergartens and community development projects, including a computer centre and a TB clinic. To a needy hospital in Mazar, 30 hospital beds were donated, doubling the number of beds. At a city eye hospital, glasses were gratefully received. For refugees living in Mazar, clothes and blankets from the container brought much needed relief.
It is our joy to play a small part in providing resources to those who are working to bring a better future to the people of Afghanistan. We look forward to doing more soon.
