Trust In Education
Final Report for Spring trip to Afghanistan
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Greetings!
|
I'm back in the USA, cheeseburger, fries and milkshake in hand. Just kidding. This household thinks its best for me to survive on oatmeal, fruit, and nonfat milk. There's no kabob and rice in my immediate future.
|
EMMY NIGHT
|
Congratulations Michele Toy, Brad Williams and NBC. They were awarded an Emmy for their coverage of TIE in their "Moving Pictures" series. Thank you everyone at NBC for your continuing interest in TIE's progress in Afghanistan.
http://www.nbc11.com/movingpictures/11063070/detail.html
|
|
|
|
SAVED BY THE BELL ( OR RATHER BY TIE)
|
Just before I left, I was approached by the headmaster of a girls' school in Tangi Saidan. The Ministry of Education had not yet approved teachers for the 4th, 5th, and 6th grades. They needed five teachers. We agreed to pay the salaries of all five, if the Ministry of Education would approve. Having recently learned that the Ministry of Education had seen fit to remove two of four computers from TIE's computer program, I decided to no longer prejudge what those in power might conclude is re asonable.We certainly do not want to interfere with or be in competition with Afghanistan's educational system. Twenty-four hours later the headmaster delivered a letter approving the headmaster's request.The 4th, 5th, and 6th grades were saved, impacting 103 girls. The boys' school needed a math and a science teacher. We agreed to pay these salaries as well. The total cost of the seven teachers is $420 per month (7 X $60).
Before I left Kabul, a friend of Steven Marra, upon learning of the need for seven teachers, agreed to underwrite the cost of all seven for the remainder of the school year. Needless to say I am extremely pleased with the willingness of TIE's supporters to respond as needs and solutions are identified.
There ar e aspects of this undertaking worthy of note. First, the boys' school has over 1,200 students and the girls' school 400. The inbalance speaks for itself. Next, the boys' school was not in jeopardy of losing its 4th, 5th, and 6th grades. Why? We don't know. It is, however, a reflection of priorities and how educational resources are allocated. Finally, the need for a math and science teacher in the boys' school was timely. TIE was able to demonstrate it's commitment to both boys and girls. The education of both is critical. It doesn't take any effort to persuade Afghan girls and women that they should have more freedoms. Change will come only when the attitudes of boys and men change. As I have told many Afghan villagers, education is the key that will unlock all doors, and minds.
|
| TAKING STOCK |
When the plane to Dubai lifted off the Kabul runway and rose to an altitude beyond rocket range, my grip on the arm rests loosened. Finally, I could take stock.
1. TIE now provides classes for over 600 students, 303 of which are girls. Of the 303 girls 218 would not be receiving an education at all were it not for the classes provided by TIE. Over 90% of the students are studying courses not offered in their schools, i.e. art, computer, and English. We now know exactly how to expand and improve educational programs, while minimizing the risks posed by the Taliban.
2. TIE provided 140 farmers with superior seeds and fertilizer to plant 70 acres. We know the "seed program" will substantially raise productivity levels for farmers. Farmers in the program will share the farming techniques they learn with others.
3. TIE provided 300 sheep (5 per farmer for 60 farmers) through its microcredit program. Afghans don't seem to have anyone restricting their intake of Kabob.
4.
You have already provided 5600 lbs of clothing, blankets and other
items, with several tons to follow. One thing we clearly have in the
United States is "stuff" we aren't using or no longer need. TIE is actively involved in the redistribution of stuff. My porch
may be open for business again next week. But, don't tell my wife.
Continue to drop and run!
5. Finally, TIE's support here and in Afghanistan continues to grow in ways I never imagined, Thank you.
Enjoy the weekend.
Budd
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
