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October 8, 2008: ...Of Governors and Soccer Moms...
PHOTO GALLERY:
Roots of Peace is cultivating a “Harvest of Hope” in Afghanistan during the Fall 2008, as over 100,000 landmines and unexploded ordnance have been removed in the Shomali Plain located north of Kabul. Today, over 100,000 Afghan farmers are now growing fresh grapes and raisins—literally converting MINES TO VINES™ on former minefields—replacing the scourge of landmines with bountiful agricultural crops.
From cherries in Badhakshan, almonds in Jalalabad, pomegranates in Kandahar and orchards in Shomali, the Afghan farmers are now yielding alternative agricultural crops which are often doubling the income for deserving Afghan farmers as they transition to a market economy.
Recently, I took an intrepid ride via Land Rover with my husband, Gary, on an extremely “unsilky” Silk Road from The Serena Hotel in Kabul to the Buddahs of Bamyan. While recently bombed by The Taliban in January 2008, this hotel is now fortified by a series of guards holding AK-47’s as they escort their guests through a series of metal detectors leading to a beautifully restored 5-star hotel reflecting the cultural heritage of Afghanistan. The proud Afghan management team protruded smiles, as they still mourned the loss of their friends on that fateful day earlier in the New Year. Yet, Afghans are a resilient people, and history presents global citizens with a unique “window in time” to cultivate peace from the ground up through the tools of agriculture.
The eight hour bumpy ride through the panoramic rivers and valleys endlessly climbed to an elevation of 10,000 feet to a land nestled in the heart of the Hindu Kush Mountains—Bamyan. As we climbed even further, we were greeted by the children of Bam Saray School where hundreds of children walk for miles each day to study the rich heritage of their Afghan culture. The vacant Buddahs of Bamyan which were destroyed by The Taliban in March 2001 reflect the tragedy which descended upon these people—faces which reflect the perils of an ancient city where Genghis Khan and other Mongolians once ruled. Yet, these brave people rise each morning to cultivate their potato farms where Roots of Peace is helping to build over 500 new storage facilities so that their food sources will not rot during the increasingly harsh winters where heavy snows caused starvation.
Working closely with the farmers of Bamyan, it becomes clear that the pathway towards the future lays with the children. There is a great need for trained teachers, schools for education, markets for vendors, and most of all, roads to make it all happen. Walking into a humble classroom where children were seated on the floor, we asked what the Afghan children of their future dreams. Suddenly, hands went flying up, “I want to be a doctor! I want to be a teacher! I want to be Governor!” As Americans, it was astonishing to hear the roar of responses from these deserving students studying in the Central Highlands at the base of the 12,000 foot mountains leading to Parwan, Wardack and Ghazni. They taught us that the word “Bam” means “roof above the world” and we suddenly realized that we were standing on higher grounds where children deserved to elevate their dreams into reality. It was at this moment that we decided to establish the Roots of Peace High School through the “pennies” raised by children, so that 600 girls may be educated.
The need for higher education for girls is paramount, and the parents are supportive of this concept. Otherwise, children are often in a position to become the “breadwinners” for their family as they make intricate Afghan carpets to be sold to Pakistan traders giving them $56 US/Dollars each month to provide a living for their widowed mother. Tiny, nimble fingers work tirelessly as these children concentrate on their every thread. For, to miss a stitch may cause their family to starve to death, as the trader will not accept the goods and go to another family where children work harder. Listening in silence to the only sound of rapidly tapping fingers weaving an intricate pattern, we were reminded of our own four children and the sense of privilege we have in raising them in a place called California. Yet, with privilege comes responsibility to give back, and we were right where we needed to be—helping children who literally live on the “other” side of the world—Latitude 38.
Perhaps one of the most inspirational moments of the trip was the honor of meeting Her Excellency, Dr. Habibi Sorabi, Governor of Bamyan Province, who had just ended a meeting with the New Zealand Provincial Reconstruction Team (NZPRT.) This is the first woman Governor of Afghanistan, a courageous leader, member of the Loya Jurga, and former Minister—truly a woman of substance. Together, we shared a firm handshake and she kindly whispered “tashikor” which means “thank you”—for being the first woman CEO who ever took the time to visit her in her beloved Bamyan region. Balancing a desire to restore the cultural landmarks and realizing the importance of sustainable agriculture as the future for development, she radiates a face of courage. Looking deeply into her eyes, I promised that we would “deliver” to build the Roots of Peace High School high in the mountains of Bam Saray, so that over 600 girls may attend higher education. Many wanted to grow up to be just like her—The Governor of Bamyan!
In an effort to provide equal education to the boys, we visited the Roots of Peace Boys’ Soccer Team at the Mir Botcha Kot School located on the former frontline of The Taliban. American children have collected over 25 million “pennies” for peace to build schools and soccer fields since 2003. The genuine smiles on the faces of the Afghan boys represents a future where children may create mutual goals and establish fair play on former minefields where soccer cleats now dominate.
Soccer is often referred to as the “beautiful” game, as it is respected worldwide. Truly, it was a victory to share the sense of true sportsmanship with these deserving young Afghans who represent the future of their country. As their English teacher stated, “Now they may play with soccer balls rather than guns.”
Join us in our efforts to DEMINE/REPLANT in Afghanistan and other countries, as we create pathways for peace in war-torn countries!
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Gary and Heidi Kuhn standing in front of the Buddahs of Bamyan.
