Support for AfghanistanMy continuing interest in Afghanistan extends to supporting worthy not-for-profit agencies working in country to bring relief to Afghans of all ages. Especially in need of help are the nation’s estimated one million orphans, those boys and girls deprived of any hope for safe housing, food, an education or a mere semblance of a secure future. There are many organizations at work in Kabul and around the country. I am working with several such agencies who benefit from the publication of the book Afghanistan 1970 -1975, Images From An Era of Peace. Since 2008 I have been collaborating with several Afghan relief agencies. Newest among the NGOs I am supporting is Afghan PARSA, a multi-pronged, well established organization working on the ground in Afghanistan since 1996. The dedicated staff is headed by Marni Gustavson, who lived in Kabul as a child, and returned in 2003 to become Executive Director. PARSA’s work includes everything from early childhood literacy to economic development for vulnerable women that includes a master gardener program at their Widows Garden near Kabul. Their work is truly far-reaching and deeply engaged in Afghan relief on a grassroots level. PARSA continues to make a difference on many levels and I am very pleased to be affiliated with them. Please review their website and buy a copy of my book Afghanistan, Images From An Era Of Peace, to benefit Afghan PARSA. The fund raising campaign with beloved Afghan author Khaled Hosseini, author of The Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns, has been very successful with individuals from more than a dozen nations and thirty US states purchasing books to support The Khaled Hosseini Foundation. Mr. Hosseini’s quarterly newsletter features my book and photographs, as does his FaceBook site. Their work with the UN High Commission for Refugees promises to bring much-needed permanent shelter to Afghans during the blazing hot summers and brutal Afghan winters. The Afghan Friends Network (AFN) has worked in the area of teacher training, girls educational opportunities and cultural and community awareness since 2002. AFN’s work focuses primarily in Ghazni Province, a short distance southwest of Kabul. Headed by my friend Humaira Ghilzai, I have huge admiration for the continuing work being done by Humaira and her colleagues. Learn more about their work at http://www.afghanfriends.net and consider making a gift to AFN. I am also proud to be affiliated with Omeid International. This group of young Afghan Americans has constructed and operate The Amin Institute, an orphanage located in Kabul established as a safe haven for destitute children. Omeid’s grassroots work is admired by many in the Afghan exile community. Please visit their website at http://www.omeid.org and make a generous donation to support their work. I donate the 50% of the proceeds from the sale of the books and photographs to these courageous groups. All of these organizations are US-based, duly established 501(c)(3) non-profit agencies. Your donations will be tax deductible as allowed by US law. Please consider making a gift to each, any or all of these organizations working to alleviate suffering in Afghanistan. I thank you in advance on their behalf. |