Chapter 099 - Asheville Helps Orphans in Afghanistan
Soon after the formation of Chapter 099 in 2003, one of our members noticed an appeal for help broadcast on the VFP-all list-serve. After a bit of discussion the chapter agreed to take on this project, just because we care.
Progress has been slow but the rewards, for both us and the orphanages, have been solid and worthwhile.
Last fall Chapter 099 was able to deliver $20,000 to Life for Relief and Development, our partner in this project and in the Iraqi Water Projects effort. With this donation Life was able to make significant remodeling to the kitchens and bathrooms at the orphanages in both Laghman and Jalalabad.
We are especially proud of these schools because, in spite of such serious lack of proper housing, the students at these schools have made some impressive achievements. The goal of these schools is to train teachers to go and help teach more students in this war ravaged nation. In addition to graduating very qualified teachers, six students from the LIFE schools were awarded scholarships last year to attend medical school in Egypt. Out of only ten scholarships available, over half went to our students!
In addition to industrial sized pots and pans, ladles and cauldrons, these schools now have washing machines. Since each student only gets one set of school clothes per year, this is important. Also, the kitchens now have freezers so they can more efficiently buy and store foods.
Before, the children were afraid to go to the bathrooms because there were snakes and rats in them. Now they have clean and functional facilities that make their life a bit more enjoyable.
To raise this money we have tabled at local events and in front of grocery stores. We have held benefit dinner/dances with our members doing the cooking and serving. We have also solicited donations from our churches, where the interest and support for our project has been overwhelming. The Albuquerque chapter has donated and so have several VFP members. We appreciate all of the help we have received.
Recently VFP National discovered an account marked "AFGHANISTAN". After much discussion and research it was decided that this money was intended for our Orphanages project so we have now received a $17,600 gift from all of you.
Next we are going to see that the schools get new roofs, which are in danger of collapsing in on top of the residents. There are many repairs needed but we are making progress. It is so encouraging to work with an organization like LIFE for Relief and Development, who we can trust to take good care of our contributions and to know that we are part of a truly successful community, the LIFE high schools of Afghanistan.
If you would like to contribute to this project, donations
can be sent to:
Veterans For Peace
P.O.
Box 456
Mars
Hill, NC 28754
You can also donate through PayPal at www.veterans4peace.org
Kenneth Ashe, president, VFP chapter 099