These photos arrived yesterday and "made my day". I wanted to share them immediately. The news from Afghanistan is getting worse and our news keeps getting better. It's not easy keeping up with bad news.
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In April we agreed to finance the construction of a soccer field near a girl's school in Qallah Loqman. We also offered to pay the cost running a soccer program. At the time, I asked whether they would be willing to have a soccer program for the girls. The answer was no. Why?
First, there are the fear and and cultural factors that lead families to conclude girls should not be seen. The preference for all schools, but particularly girl's, is for them to be surrounded by very high walls. That way the children can not be seen from the outside.We have been unable to provide playground equipment at the Tangi Saidan girl's school, because the playground is not walled in.
Secondly, they didn't think enough girls would be interested. Soccer is "what boys do". I remember during my Spam days that girls couldn't dribble full court playing basketball and there were very few female athletes. It was more important to make the drill team than sink three pointers.
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Whatever the barriers were to girls playing soccer in Qallah Loqman, they've been overcome. I don't exactly know how. I just know that there are now two soccer programs in Qallah Loqman, one for boys and one for girls!!
Note they're playing in sandals. Nabi and I called Basir this morning to take care of that problem. We'll also provide shoes and shin guards, donated by the Sports Basement, a fantastic place to shop for athletic clothing and equipment.
TIE has funded the construction of soccer fields and is currently supporting three soccer programs, in three villages. Inter- village soccer play is not far away. TIE will provide the buses to make "away games" possible.
Also pictured below is playground equipment TIE provided to the Qallah Loqman school soon after Nabi and I left.
These photos are proof positive that progress is possible.
It just takes time and patience.
Budd
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