Trust In Education Newsletter
March 20, 2008
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MAKING A DENT THROUGH THE DENTON PROGRAM
There is an incredible program run by the USAID agency known as the Denton program. The Denton program enables someone to ship humanitarian aid by US military aircraft on a space availability basis for free! There is no shortage of things Americans are able and willing to donate. Last September we told ten people we were assembling our first shipment and within
two weeks we had 97 boxes of warm clothing, blankets, shoes, medical supplies, socks, sweaters, and juggling pins. They have been boxed and ready to go since October. My front porch has at least another 25 boxes of donations, accumulated after we told people to stop.
I won't trouble you with the details but it took four months to obtain a "duty free" form from the Afghan government. The "duty free" form is a prerequisite for starting the process with USAID. The form simply acknowledges that when the donations arrive in Afghanistan they will enter "duty free". We have our first signed "duty free" form and it will be framed!
The Johansen family host a packing party
Annie Johansen, convinced her mother, Mary, and father, Tim, to provide warehouse space, in their warehouse in San Leandro. Now that we feel reasonably comfortable that we have solved the bureaucratic maze for Denton shipments, we are opening the doors again for another shipment. Send us an email and we will help you organize and coordinate collection efforts. Whatever you do, do not drop anything more on my porch!
What do Afghans need? They need everything. It is the fifth poorest country in the world. When you inquire we will provide you with a list and more information. The time and means have arrived to make a dent with what we aren't using!
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WHERE ART THE NOMADS!!
A year ago I asked Mahmoud Karzai what we could do to help farmers increase their incomes. He responded, "Buy sheep". He was right. Lambs purchased in the Spring and sold in the Fall increase in value by an average of 40%, from $50 to $70. Investing in sheep is a perfect vehicle to generate short term profits at relatively little risk. Raising sheep is something the farmers already know how to do.
Raymond and I Counting Sheep
Who sells sheep? The nomads (Kuchi) are the main purveyors of sheep. They take the sheep to warmer climates in the Fall and return to Kabul in the Spring. Raymond and I will oversee the purchase and distribution of sheep next month. Our travel plans depend entirely upon the nomads.
Will the airlines waive their penalties for changing reservations, should the sheep not come to town as predicted? Surely, they must have a Nomad delay clause in their penalty guidelines.
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THEY JUST KEEP COMING
As everyone has read, the attacks on Afghan schools and educators that insist on educating girls, are increasing. Educating girls has become a life and death issue. In response to these threats TIE began financing classes taught inside homes within small communities. The walk to class is shorter and strangers that might pose a threat are easily identified.
We support Afghan families who insist on educating girls, by making certain they have teachers, books, and supplies. There is no shortage of Afghans willing to take the risk. Our commitment is nothing when compared with theirs.
While educating girls is a priority, educating boys and men is important as well. In male dominated societies, changing the attitudes and views of men is essential to the expansion of human rights and liberties. TIE supports opportunities to educate girls, boys, women and men. More resources will be devoted to the education of girls and women, to address the current imbalances and risks that currently exist in Afghanistan's educational system.
 I'm frequently asked how much things cost. Presently the cost of wood to heat the classrooms, exceeds the cost of the teacher. And, this was after TIE increased teacher salaries by 20% in January.
On Their Way To Winter Classes
"Education Is The Key That Unlocks All Doors"
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ONION SEEDS - ONE ALTERNATIVE TO OPIUM
Thanks to Nabi Tawakali enough onion seeds are on their way to Afghanistan to plant over 140 acres. Fourteen leaders (maliks) from Char Asiab each selected 10 farmers to plant the seeds, using fertilizer and farming techniques taught at seminars provide by TIE. The seeds are better than what farmers can afford in Kabul and yield substantially more and higher quality onions.
 140 farmers will now be one step closer to self sufficiency without growing opium. The "opium problem" is complex. The solution is simple. Provide the Afghan farmers with alternatives. We have no trouble locating farmers who refuse to grow opium, even though it is easier and more profitable to grow.
"Say Onion!"
Afghan men smiling in photos are rare.
He is happy!
Thank all of you who have made and continue to make change possible.
Best Regards,
Budd
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| P.S. Please forward to a friend!
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