| 7,500 miles of love: Handicraft sale benefits school in Afghanistan |
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Love goes ‘round the world one more time
By Lisa Schnellinger
We drove to Mohammad Agha village in Logar Province, southeast of Kabul, so that I could see the school we had been working with for more than six years. The secrecy was for our security—to avoid kidnapping or deliberate attack by insurgents. But when I stepped inside the new library, with its solid stone foundation, pretty wooden window trim, and freshly painted walls, the risky trip was all worthwhile. In addition to my main work overseas—training local journalists—I have been raising money to support this girls’ school since 2003. The library had remained only a brick outline, until last summer. Benefit sale events at Bears Oh My!
Barb is again hosting the sale at Bears Oh My, Friday and Saturday, Feb. 12 and 13, from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. All profits from the sale in Wolfscratch Village will go directly to the school. I am hoping to sell out our new collection of goods and raise enough to furnish the library. Even if you have no interest in Afghanistan, the sale is a great opportunity to buy truly unique goods. And just in time for Valentine’s Day! On my visit to Afghanistan in early December, I found a shop that sells goods made by Afghan women from all over the country and also by female refugees in Afghanistan. The handicrafts and clothes are gorgeous, and very reasonably priced. Here are a few examples—and all are handmade:
You may actually see some of the Pashminas and the other products at http://barakaphotos.com/#/gallery/pashminas/ and http://barakaphotos.com/#/gallery/afghanistan-products/ With a purchase of $20 or more, you can write a postcard message that will be mailed to the school and translated for the students. That personal, village-to-village contact makes the library mean so much more.
I asked what careers they were planning, and they happily told me: Doctor, engineer, biologist… and TV news anchor. They are eager for books of all kinds, on all subjects. The girls and their mothers are grateful for the library. Just as important as the space for students, this particular library will serve as a community center and classroom space for the adult women in the village—to learn to read and write, as well as gaining job skills. Next step is to furnish it with bookshelves, tables and chairs—so that the new books have a place to go. |
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