Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Having now been working in Afghanistan for the past 5 years, we are keen to learn from our experience and look to grow and develop our work - both expanding into other products (such as clothing and kites) and possibly into other places (such as Mazar e Sharif, where we are involved with a schools twinning programme between 5 schools there and 3 in Harpenden, Hertfordshire). We’re also becoming more extensively involved in ICT and looking to introduce “virtualisation” into some schools in Kabul, linking back to schools in Hammersmith, West London.

We are increasingly aware of how much we are benefiting from the support we receive from companies working in Afghanistan and the UK, including Tribune Business Systems (whose work on virtualisation with schools and others is at the cutting edge of technological change), the French Medical Institute for Children (who provide medical help and resources and also have ordered some carpets) and many others.

I would like to focus briefly on two particular companies whose support has been critical to our work: G4S and Supreme.

G4S have provided a substantial donation for making silk carpets (a pilot to test our ability to do so) and have given regular medical assistance (including regular visits last year from Dr Michael Sizemore). They have held two sales of our carpets in their premises and are offering to hold another shortly. And, most significantly, they generously provided sponsorship for 20 students and are possibly going to sponsor more next year. They also introduced us to another company, CAPE, who made a large donation of medical supplies.

Supreme, through the Supreme Foundation, have sponsored trainees and also linked us with a number of their company contacts, including Lockton and others, who have made donations or sponsored trainees. Their main support has been to provide midday meals for all on our site - which has had a huge effect. They raised with us the possibility of getting into the production of cricket equipment but that hasn’t, at this stage, developed. But they have kindly agreed to pay for the construction of a new classroom on our site.

These examples of generosity and good practice have really had an impact on our work. Quick decisions, practical advice and support, opening their doors for sales, providing medical equipment and resources - these make such a difference! And we are most grateful.

A practical matter of a different kind!

We are changing our name - well, clarifying a confusion. The charity, The Afghan Training Foundation, is now formally called Afghan Action. And the wholly owned trading company Afghan Action Ltd is now called Afghan Trading Ltd.

Please watch for events and activities coming up. They’re happening in London and around the country – and we welcome your presence and thank you for your interest and support.

Chris Beales