During a meeting in Kabul with the principal and headmaster of the school for girls, under construction in Farza, we agreed to visit the site. They assured us that we would be safe. Others insisted we wouldn't. "Safe" is a relative word, heavily dependent upon one's perception and tolerance for risk.

     Our hotel, was attacked by suicide terrorists two years ago. We consider it safer than it was before the attack because it became off limits to many foreign organizations. Our theory is that there are no longer enough "primary targets" in the hotel to make attacking it worthwhile. Besides we get plenty of service now that the occupancy rate is way down. 

     The Farza visit theory was based more on Inshallah ("God willing") and fate.  To go or not to go is something we wrestle with every trip.  Going enables us to  "see for ourselves",  solve problems, establish future plans, and provide you with a first hand report. All are important. 

They have been patiently waiting for over two years.

 

On the outside looking in

      The problem I didn't have the energy to disclose in yesterday's newsletter is that the plans and budget we were given two years ago by the villagers in Farza did not include building a wall around the school. Yesterday we were told in unequivocal terms, no wall no girls. Parents in Farza will not allow their daughters to attend a school unless it is surrounded by a high perimeter wall. Had we not visited the site or taken this trip we may not have discovered this impasse until after construction was completed.  

     Basir and the villagers are preparing a materials budget for the wall and it will be added to Farza's wish list. It's their number one wish and priority. They will provide the labor. Time is of the essence. Construction of everything else should be completed by June 1st. 

     One wish we will address immediately is their need for computers. The Farza school district has 21 schools. Every school in the district has computer classes. Not one has computers!!!   

     They have teachers, classrooms and students. Electricity is on its way.  We have the computer equipment they need, thanks to the San Francisco law firm Farella, Braun and Martel,Charles Schwab, and individual donors.

     Three hours ago we visited a girls school in Kabul that has 6,000 students. We provided the school with 15 computers and peripheral equipment a year ago. The principal informed us that all schools have the same problem, computer classes without computers. Her school may be the only public school in Kabul with computers. 

     600 students are using the computers we provided in twenty minute shifts. That enables each student to have access to a computer 20 minutes a week! Help us track down more computer equipment. We all know how invaluable computers have become in educating our children. 

      Other items on the Farza wish list are playground equipment, desks, an office for the headmaster and a library. The Afghan government's ability to provide the educational needs of Afghanistan is declining as more countries and NGOs reduce their support. It's happening now.

     What's exciting for us, is that, as the rest of the world is winding down, students in the Bay Area are stepping up. They're earning money that will be applied to wish list items. I will send you a full report on this development soon. The earn it approach to fundraising is proving to be a success.  

Budd

ps Tomorrow we meet with 73 street children sponsored by schools, individuals and families in the US. And, we will have another skype night. This time it will be between Burton Valley Elementary school and the street children they are sponsoring.