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June 7th, 2010
From the Australian
Afghanistan Development Organization newsletter
Dear Members, in 2010, we have much to celebrate! There are quiet but
powerful stories which demonstrate how Australians working in close
collaboration with local Afghan leaders and communities, can contribute to
lasting change.
This time last year, AADO Member Dick Marquardt was completing his epic
bicycle ride from Adelaide to Darwin as a way to raise money to provide
deep water wells in Afghanistan. Dick then set out to ensure that this
main purpose would be achieved, to the maximum benefit of the funds which
were raised, in the construction of wells at various schools in
Afghanistan.
This May, a year later, Dick and his wife Rosemary, AADO's Treasurer, have
just completed their first visit to Afghanistan. There, with the
encouragement of AADO's CEO, Dr Nouria Salehi, and local staff in AADO's
Kabul office, and the help of the international NGO, Action Against Hunger
(ACF), they were able to inspect progress of the work being undertaken by
ACF on construction of wells at four different sites.
It has just been confirmed that three of the wells are now completed and
delivering fresh, clear, drinkable water. The fourth will be completed in
the next few days. As a result of this effort, at least 2000 students this
year and similar numbers in following years will now have access to fresh,
clean water.
It's much better for Dick to tell this remarkable story!. As part of this
journey, he took the time most days to put together his thoughts and
observations and upload them onto his Riding for Afghanistan website. Go
to and enjoy: http://www.ridingforafghanistan.net/news.htm
And from Dick' recent email
Nouria and I met yesterday and she was telling me about being able to
visit and drink fresh water from the first completed well last week before
she travelled home!
May 13th, 2010
On leaving Kabul
Pamir flight PM 219 Kabul – Delhi. So we’ve made it, we are on our way.
This day started well enough, all preparations for departure were
completed, a leisurely breakfast was consumed, Zabi and his car were ready
to take us to the airport.
Enough time for a quick photo of all the AADO people, a tearful ….for me
anyway, farewell and then we were off.
The first check point is just a few metres ahead, we are still just one of
the crowd, then comes the first check. A car that tries to barge in ahead
of us gets pulled over and is severely chastised.
All males, except the driver, now have
to leave the car and walk to the next check point, just a physical check
here, no need for a password. Next, a German shepherd is let loose on the
car and the luggage. And so it goes for 3 more check points which sees us at the
domestic terminal. Nouria and Suliman are flying to Herat. What about
us……………we are international passengers. Here we finally unload our luggage
and I get hit by a car. More in surprise than pain or anger I turn around
and viciously punch the bonnet of the offending car whilst abusing the
driver in fine Ozzie style. Suliman and Zabi hear the commotion, rush over
and tell the driver, so they tell me later, that he is a dead man sitting.
I ask them to “cool”: it please, we have a plane to catch and I don’t want
to be involved in any stand off, in any case there is no great pain…………..
no harm done.
OK, one more phone call, thank God for mobiles, and a smartly turned out
police lieutenant arrived to escort Rosemary and me through the
intricacies of the International Terminal and Afghan bureaucracy. What
looked like a nightmare less than one hour ago turned out to be child’s
play in the end.
The actual departure was very much in the Afghan style. In the departure
lounge there was no departure information, no information desk was in
evidence, no announcements were made. A man by a departure gate called out
for passengers for the Delhi flight, immediately a crush of people
descended upon the gate. After some indecision we were all sent back to
our seats……………….no explanation. In due course, only one hour late we did
finally depart.
Our journey to Afghanistan was a most exciting, if very raw, experience.
Both Rosemary and I are still coming to terms with what we saw and what we
took in. We are certain that we will continue in our own way to support
those wonderful people of a beautiful but sad country.
May 13th, 2010
Flying for Aghanistan
!
Our second to last day in Kabul started early. Today 100 science teachers
were to be recognized for having graduated from a science teacher training
course funded and facilitated by AADO and conducted on the AADO premises.
The Afghan deputy minister of education Dr Wasir was to be present as was
the Australian ambassador Mr Paul Foley together with a number of Afghan
and Australian VIP’s. Rosemary and I were official guests. As such we had
no opportunity to photograph the proceedings or write down our thoughts
and observations, however as soon as some photographs are to hand we’ll
tell all about the wonderful graduation ceremony.
 Rosemary
meets Dr Wasir, Deputy Minister of Eduction. She will report later on the
most interesting and enlightening conversation she had with him
When the ceremony concluded and all the guests had departed we had time on
our hands. What to do ???
Can you go to Afghanistan and not fly a kite ? I mean can you really ? Of
course you can’t and so I had a good look at the kites which are kept at
the centre. Wonderful stuff. Do little boys ever grow up ? OK, let’s go
and fly them was my immediate thought. Not so fast Mr Dick was Masood’s
reaction, we can’t do that until about 5 o’clock when there is a bit of an
afternoon breeze. OK good enough, something to look forward to.
So we had time on our hands. What to do ???
Easy. For some time now we had discussed an idea, which in its rawest form
envisages the importation of Afghan made kites into Australia, to sell
them at a most attractive price and thus to raise funds for local aid
projects. A wonderful way for Afghan people to contribute to their own
reconstruction needs and a wonderful way for Ozzie kids of all ages to
have some fun and contribute to the rehabilitation of the lives of people
in Afghanistan. A wonderful way for all of us to learn the ancient skills
of kite flying….and so much more !
OK, let’s go and have a look at some kites.
Rosemary directing traffic in Mujeeb
Kaghaz Paran’s kite shop. Masood doing some expert testing
Tamin the part owner of the kite shop
proudly showing off his storeroom and vast stockholding
To understand some more of these wonderful kites we buy some samples at a
ludicrous price and take them to the AADO centre for Masood and all
the other experts to explain the finer points of the Afghan kite. Once we
are through with them they can be presented to local kids.
I am most anxious to get back but Masood insists that there is still
something we have to see. So we are to be reluctant tourists……………and as it
turns out, I am so glad we are. For we are visiting. Bagh Babar Gardens. A
totally rebuilt garden, blooming with roses of all colours and pomegranate
trees and some classic buildings with marble floors and carved wooden
ceilings. A place of peace and tranquillity in the midst of chaos and
destruction. A beautiful water feature runs through the entire garden.
Bagh Babar Gardens the water feature
set in verdant reasonably well kept lawns. Some of the lawns were in fact
being weeded and cut by numerous men using small scythes
I suppose my anxiety to get back and play with the kites was obvious and
to my great relief Masood decided that it was definitely “time to go
back”. This gave me time to do everything I felt I had to do with our
sample kites. I measured the height and width, photographed both sides and
recorded all data.
If our idea - Flying for Afghanistan
has merit, then we better be prepared to GO.
By the time this was finally achieved and a further cup of tea was
consumed we were ready. Even with our Afghan friends there was a marked
change of attitude, they were getting excited, yes truly excited…………..they
were going to fly kites. New kites are not supplied ready for flying. So I
was given instructions on how to set up the kite. The correct use of
proper knots is very important and as a sailor I passed that test. OK,
let’s go and fly them. Too windy for the size we have selected. Fine, down
one size. No better we go to the smallest size……….the breeze seems quite
strong.
Zabi has drifted into our circle and is preparing his kite. There seems to
be some jostling going on in Dari. OK boys what’s going on?
We fight……………….that’s all!
The anticipation is wonderful to behold and the rivalry palpable! This is
the excitement of a sporting clash and the rivals know their opposition
well. The first kite is launched and it’s not all that easy. 2-3 attempts
are required and the kite is away.
Final preparations
The launch
 I I am allowed
to hold the line, they figure I can’t do too much damage. In truth, these
beautiful people are concerned that I should not suffer rope burn or cuts.
The line is really singing and the pull is enormous
 The fight is
on
 It’s all over
Zabi has lost 4 kites. He blames it on
the lousy line. Masood has not lost a single kite. But look at the winner.
He’ll have to be put down. I ask for a debrief and learn some more about
Afghan kites, but there is so much more I want to know and understand. I
guess I’ll have to do some more work to do some: Flying for
Afghanistan.
May 13th, 2010
We must continue………..
With the site visits over and done with and good progress being recorded I
am happy to leave Afghanistan and commit the local AADO people and in
particular Masood Mahmund to check and report on progress of the work.
This day, Monday, we explored further in and around Kabul.
Clearly this country is still a war zone. Daily we witness countless
military flights, previously I have related how a military road convoy
caused traffic mayhem and then we encountered face to face a US army
patrol.
 Four similar
vehicles were drawn up on the edge of a small community
Masood warned me not to take a photo under any circumstances, but I simply
had to know how these soldiers felt and what they thought of their
involvement. A young officer was most helpful in obtaining permission for
me to photograph the vehicles. Military matters were totally out of
bounds, as were personal names and unit descriptions, however, in the
typically generous American way he was most sympathetic to the plight of
the Afghan people and fervently hoped that this nation would be at peace
soon.
We then explored the little community a little further and found this
treasure.
Taq Zafar to commemorate the defeat of
the English by king Amanullah Khan
Our next port of call was the surprising Golf Club restaurant at Qarag
Lake resort. Yes this country always has some surprise in store.
Finally Rosemary can say that she
adhered to the old adage of “When in Rome / Kabul, do as the…………
After a refreshing cup of tea………………..no beer here, mate. We went on and
sadly witnessed one of the most distressing sights one is ever likely to
see.
Refuge camp on the fringe of Kabul the
camp holds people from Helmund province who fled the war.. At a guess I
would say that the camp extended over an area of ten acres or more
I was very pleased to learn later that AADO distributed a quantity of
blankets during a particularly cold spell last winter.
After this very sobering encounter it was a great pleasure to finally meet
one more of those people who have devoted their life to the betterment of
others. I had the very great pleasure of calling on Gerry Garvey of DAACAR,
a Danish NGO / aid organization, to thank him personally for putting me in
touch with ACF who are now doing our work. He assured me that ACF is a
very fine organization with a high level of expertise and that we could
expect very good and lasting results. This was very pleasing indeed.
DAACAR is the single largest water and sanitation provider in this
country, however, they are not working in the area AADO are working in at
present and that is why they could not assist us in this instance.
As a testament to the work DAACAR does they proudly display a model of one
of their most popular hand pumps.
On the way home and to put things into
their proper perspective once more we were taken to view what remains of
the Royal Palace.
Thus ended a day of deep sadness, but also a day of hope
The next day (Tuesday) is our last full day in Kabul. In the morning there
is to be a special presentation function at the AADO Centre for science
teachers who have graduated from the training program. A deputy minister
of Education and the Australian Ambassador will be present. I understand
that Rosemary is to deliver a speech and present some certificates.
May 11th, 2010
Site visits
At last the big day (Sunday) has arrived. We are going to inspect the 3
project sites. Rosemary is still not up to travelling, her stomach is far
too upset. Actually it is a rather small party that sets out early in the
morning. Masood the AADO project leader, Zabi the driver and yours truly.
The three schools are all located within the Qarabagh District about 60 Km
north of Kabul. Sadly no local maps are available. Traffic is heavy and of
the usual highly erratic Afghani standard. See my separate report on local
driving conditions to follow later..
In due course we reach the turn off to the village of Esterghech. For
about 10 Km we travel west over a terribly rutted track. This short
distance takes us about 45 minutes and I am mighty glad when we finally
arrive. The school is located near the crest of an impressive mountain
range overlooking stunning valley.450 girls and boys are enrolled here. As
we approach the school two US Army Chinook helicopters fly past in the
distance reminding us just how troubled this land still is.
Our first appointment is with the
teaching staff of the Esterghech Primary School. They are not interested
in discussing the water project with us. Construction seems to be going
well they indicate and it’s time to discuss the next aid project for their
school. I have a feeling that a bit of the cargo cult mentality has crept
into their thinking and Masood terminates the interview so that we can
meet with the construction staff.
A picture, so they say, tells a thousand words, so here is the story of
the Esterghech water project.
The Spring…………..you can’t see the
water, but a steady flow emanates from below the rocks
 Part of
the construction crew. Second from the right: Zabi our driver, fourth from
the right Masood, the AADO project leader. Third from the left
construction foreman of the upper construction section
Construction of the first settling pool
Descent towards the water tank. A pipe will be laid in a
trench still to be excavated between the settling pool and the water tank
The water tank will be cleaned and consolidated. It will
be connected to the spring on the one hand and two further holding tanks,
one for drinking water and one for the latrines, to be located within the
school building
The start of work on the pipe trench from the water tank
to the school
We don’t want this to happen again, do we?
And this is where part of the beautiful water will end
up………after the taps and the basin have been consolidated
Part of the village of Esterghech
The water has been tested. It is totally safe to drink and further test
will be conducted on an ongoing basis.
Afghanis love to converse and it is far too late when we leave Esterghech.
In the end we have to decline a kind lunch invitation from the local
English teacher, but time is pressing.
Onwards to Sang Sabz girls school. Here we are met by the commissioning
engineer from ACF, school staff, community leaders and the construction
crew. This is a well project and it appears the work will be completed in
2-3 days, however, the water will not be available for drinking until
tests indicate it is potable.
 The
well. 90 m below is water
 The
drill rig. The work crew has their temporary accommodation in the tent
 No
picture here is perfect without the people. Second from left the hygiene
trainer from ACF and fourth from the left the commissioning engineer from
ACF Mr. Moh.yousaf Mthar
 They
absolutely insisted
 Hygiene
training. Note the very basic room
The
old defunct well. Girls won’t need to walk ever again for over 800 m to
fetch water
By the time all photos had been taken, all points had been discussed many
times over and all compliments had been exchanged it was far too late to
visit the Shakar Dara project. In any case, it was pointed out to me that
work there had not yet started, in fact the Esterghech crew would move
there once that project was completed. Additionally the area was not
considered safe plus a number of additional excuses were brought forward
and gladly accepted…………………..for I was by now very tired indeed and so were
my two companions.
On the way home I finally had the opportunity to shoot an image which had
long intrigued me. Many buildings or the walls that surround them in the
country showed letters and numerals which did not make any sense to me.
 Signage
to indicate that the area around this building has been “demined” or
cleared of mines
May 11th, 2010
Notes on vehicular
traffic in Afghanistan
By way of explanation, in Afghanistan you drive on the right hand side of
the road…………… if it is convenient.
Imagine if you will, a dual carriage way road in the vicinity of Kabul,
there is room for 2 lanes but there are no lane markings. The road surface
is reasonable and allows speeds up to about 130 Km/h. Traffic is heavy but
flows quite well in the usual chaotic fashion.
Following our site inspections we are in the southbound lane heading for
Kabul and looking forward to some dinner.
Suddenly there are indications that a traffic jam is about to happen. I
don’t know how he knows about it, but Zabi our driver tells me US Army
movement ahead will be the cause of the developing jam.
Now he goes into high alert, it would never do for him to be held up. He
has not got a map, so far as I can ascertain ,,,,,,,,,, there is no map,
to see if there is a side road he can use as a detour. So frequent lane
changes are indicated if indeed there were marked lanes, maybe he can gain
a few metres here and a few metres there. The horn is liberally used but
he and his fellow drivers take the nudging and barging in fine humour. By
now there are at least 4 cars abreast on a road that has nominally 2
lanes. This is going to be interesting.
Next we find ourselves abreast of a mine clearing truck of the Halo
Foundation. Quietly I decide to use this truck as a guide marker of our
progress or otherwise. With the traffic now very nearly at a complete
stand still Zabi does some more expert nudging and barging and gets ahead
of the Halo truck. Suddenly an opening occurs, on the extreme left hand
side of the road is a deep culvert and some cars have already entered it
and appear to be making reasonable progress. Zabi decides this is for him
so he goes for it he leaves the road at speed and careers down the
embankment, which at this point descents at about 40 degrees. Together
with the other vehicles we make some progress over very rough ground. The
Halo mine clearing truck has now been left a long distance behind and we
are very pleased with ourselves when we suddenly have to stop completely.
This is it total gridlock. But is it?
Zabi and other drivers have discovered a reasonably smooth ascent to the
north bound road. For Afghanis such a challenge simply has to be met. So
up we go and together with many other cars and trucks and now travel
against the oncoming traffic. That traffic has generously, if grudgingly
made room for at least on lane. Progress is slow but at least there is
progress. From time to time I observe some vehicles travelling in either
directions trying to overtake but this invariably is not entirely
successful but results in an increased use of the horn. After about 1 Km
the weight of the oncoming traffic is such that we are forced back into
the culvert and then mercifully we have to STOP. We can not go backward,
forward, sideways………………….we are stuck. The Halo truck is nowhere to be
seen so we have done well.
After all this frantic activity, after all these dangers I expect
frustration and anger to erupt, but no. It is fate. Many people squat by
their vehicles, talk quietly, some have tea, others a cigarette and thus
we wait for the best part of an hour.
Eventually people who have posted themselves at the crest of the culvert
are starting to drift down to their cars and trucks and it seems there may
be movement ahead. No hurry yet, I climb up to the edge and observe that
there is some movement indeed. I also spot some khaki coloured vehicles,
so Zabi’s assertion that US military traffic caused the traffic jam may be
correct after all. After drifting back to our car I notice some erratic
movement on the road, in the culvert we are still stuck. The forward
movement on the road improves, 4 sometime 5 lines of vehicles slowly move
forward, there is hope that we too will be on the move before too long. In
the distance I see the mine clearing truck, standing out by it’s distinct
markings. We are still way ahead so all is well.
Now comes the time for planning. Masood and Zabi decide that we will join
the road at the earliest possible opportunity, provided we can get up the
bank and out of the culvert. There are 2 potential problems, the front
wheel drive Toyota may not be able to climb the 45 degrees of sandy
embankment, and the 4-5 lines of moving traffic may not allow us to enter
the stream.
Still no movement in the culvert, the mine clearing truck on the road is
now within about 100 metres of where we are. Did we back the wrong horse?
Still we are waiting, the mine clearing truck is now well ahead of us, but
it seems we may be able to move before too long. If the car in front us
would only move forward ½ to 1 metre we may be able to start something.
And then it happens…….. The car in front does move, with frantic
encouragement from Masood Zafi revs the engine, turns the steering
wheel and starts the diagonal climb up the bank, I estimate a rise of
about 40 - 45 degrees, climbing diagonally we should make it to the crest.
The car shudders, the front wheels spin, dust and stones get thrown up and
we come to a grinding HALT. We can’t go back, because there is a car on
our tail, we can’t make any further upwards progress so we turn to run,
for a few metres at least, parallel with the run of the culvert and the
road. The car has now an acute angle of heel and I am seriously
considering opening my door so that I can jump if the car should topple
over. Soon enough there is another chance to complete the climb to the
crest. Zabi gently swings the steering wheel over, guns the engine and
inches up the bank……………….until the wheel spin again. Well we have gained
another metre. We are making progress.
The third attempt of climbing the bank finally meets with success. The
front wheel have reached the edge of the road, the rear wheels are still
partially over the edge, now it is a simple matter of barging into the
line of moving traffic. With much use of the horn and voluble
encouragement from Masood Zabi makes it and we are moving on bitumen once
more.
The rest of the drive is uneventful. At the many police check points they
are happy to let us through without let or hindrance they are just happy
to keep the traffic moving. Just once we have to divert briefly to share
the road again with oncoming traffic but we are all in fine humour looking
forward to a hearty meal at the AADO centre.
On the outskirts of Kabul, less than 30 minutes before we’ll reach our
final destination, we overtake the mine clearing truck and leave it behind
in the raised dust.
We have made it.
A footnote:
Zabi’s car is his pride and joy. It is a red Toyota Corolla station wagon
imported as a second hand car from Germany. Zabi did not take note of the
odometer reading when he bought the car, but he confidently expects it to
last him for another 8 to 9 years.
May 10th, 2010
At AADO
Riding for Afghanistan was an effort designed to provide additional funds
for AADO’s work in the Qarabagh area north of Kabul. Our second day
(Saturday) in Afghanistan seemed the perfect day to explore AADO’s
operation and facilities in Kabul.
AADO operates out of a purpose built building near the centre of Kabul. It
has been established through the generosity of the Salehi family in
general and Dr Nouria Salehi in particular. The building is well guarded,
completely walled in and does not show any signage about its occupant.
Such are the precautions required for physical safety of the the people
who work here and the building.
A number of international aid agencies
are also resident in the vicinity.
For AADO’s purposes the basement of the building is used, at present, for
science teacher training. Over a 3 months period the candidates are
exposed to the most up to date teaching methods. I was able to observe
chemistry teachers being shown how to conduct experiments.
Working with the women's group
well, this experiment worked
The ground floor accommodates the central office.
Dr Salehi working with Suliman
Mahmund, centre manager and project leader Science Teachers training
Apart from which it also features a
meeting / dining room, a kitchen and various utility rooms. One office is
rented to a US aid organisation. The entire first floor is rented to yet
another foreign aid organisation and the top floor features two guest bed
rooms as well as a bathroom. An extensive balcony allows the guests to
observe the ramshackle neighbourhood and the heavy dust in the air. I am
told that occasionally the balcony also serves as the launching platform
of one or more of the wonderful kites which belong to the centre.
An annexe building across a beautiful little flower garden serves as a
vocational training centre for aspiring carpenters, another initiative
from Nouria who saw the need for unemployed but literate youth to learn a
trade.
The happy carpentry crew with
their 2 instructors and some of their recent output
Apart from these activities the centre also administers their
outreach work from here. This includes the current project of installing
deep water wells and other water facilities at various schools…………….more
of that later, and very importantly a combined literacy and vocational
training program for women in various villages in the Qarabagh area. The
program which runs over 12 months is finalized with the awarding of a
certificate and the presentation of a sewing machine. During our stay in
Kabul, project leader Masood Mahmund went out to 5 villages and presented
100 sewing machines to women who had successfully completed the program.
Unfortunately we were not able to witness this presentation as Rosemary
was laid low………..and still is with the dreaded Kabul Killer belly and I,
as a foreign man was not welcome.
The Certificate
The AADO Centre employs a total of 8 people, one, a charming young lady,
as part-time Admin. Officer. The senior employees are the Mahmund
brothers, Suleiman and Masood, a driver, a cook and three security guards.
They all work incredible hours under what we in Australia would call
challenging conditions, but they all seem to be happy at their work and
are totally committed to the aims and objectives of AADO. In due course I
hope to herd them together to get a group photo.
Over and out for now. Tomorrow is the
big day when we go out to inspect the water well projects for schools.
May 8th, 2010
Riding for Afghanistan…………..the arrival
Indira Ghandi airport New
Dehli……………………yet another delay of the Pamir Airlines flight to Kabul. An
attractive young man approaches us clearly wishing to practice his English
language skills. That’s fine with us and we learn that he is a final year
student at a High School in Herat, Afghanistan. Clearly a bright young
fellow who could become a teacher without formal training on completing
his schooling, Such is the shortage of teachers in Afghanistan. However,
Wasooq Tabibi, wants to do better he wants to be undertake formal
training so that he can deliver best possible outcomes for his country
and his people..
In due course we get
around to our mission and the purpose for our trip to Kabul. He is very
excited and insists that we visit him in Herat and assess possible aid
projects for schools over there. To make his point more forcefully he
calls over his father who assures us of his son's very good intention and
warns us that whatever we do we should be totally aware that corruption is
rife in Afghanistan. When our flight is finally called,3 ½ hours late, we
part company as friends and we have an invitation to visit Herat and walk
in their garden. I don’t think we’ll make it to Herat this time,
but………………………….
Rosemary
with the Tabibi family
In Kabul
Friday, as our Sunday, in
an Islamic country is a day of rest and worship, however, with Dr Nouria
Salehi and staff of ther AADO Centre in Kabul we explore the city and the
close environs. Immediately on departure we are leaving our comfort zone.
The streets are deeply rutted, countless derelict street stalls offer
everything from elaborate gates, to meat, to second hand buses, melons and
so much more. Cars, trucks and buses are frequently imported second hand
and still sport the signage of their original owners in Holland, Poland,
Hungary, France and Germany, Some even seem to have come from the UK or
Australia because right hand drive cares are also quite common.
Traffic here is
surprising.
There are 2 simple rules.
Rule # 1 use your horn
frequently, whether needed or not.
Rule # 2………….there are no
rules, do as you like.
During our first days
drive we saw surprisingly few accidents. Armed police at countless check
points are very much in evidence, vicious speed humps ensure that drivers
approach these points at a very respectful speed. In the course of the day
our drivers are stopped twice but soon sent on their way again. Rosemary
and I are never asked for our identity papers and the atmosphere is
somewhat disinterested and casual.
Soon enough we leave the
dusty environs of the city and travel north along the well maintained road
to Qarabagh. Despite this being a day of rest a lot of people are on the
move but our progress is steady.
First port of call is on
the community leaders of 7 walled villages in the area of Qarabagh. The
principal of the local school is also present.
 L to R: Dr Nouria Salehi, Mr Omar
Khan Community Leader, Mr Dawud Zai Principal of the local High School and
Mr Haji Assad senior Community Leader
 Splendid hospitality
 The
magnificent gardens of Mr Haji Assad. Less than 6 years ago they were
completely destroyed by the Taliban
Discussing a literacy program for women
Here Dr Salehi is in deep
discussion with the three gentlemen about the possible implementation of a
literacy program for women. As these discussions take place in the local
Dharri language we foreign visitors are left to admire the magnificent
gardens and the tranquil setting by the pool.
When the discussions are
finally done with we explore the area further and make plans to visit the
project sites and talk with the contractors on Saturday, Sunday and
Monday. Along the way we observe many destroyed walled villages, but also a
lot of construction work, derelict abandoned Russian armour and trucks,
snow capped mountains, many noisy wedding parties and people on the move.
Riding for
Afghanistan...............a progress report
26th April, 2010
 Dear Friends,
Just over one year has passed since my support team and I went on our
merry way from Adelaide to Darwin. Our web site
www.ridingforafghanistan.net kept you informed of our progress.
It is history now that the ride went without any mishap at all, not even a
flat tyre. And your generous support and interest sustained me during the
long hours on the road.
Before I set out on the trip and solicited your support and donations for
the construction of water wells in Afghanistan I promised that I would
report on how your contributions would be expended and that together with
Rosemary and the officers of AADO (Afghan Australia Development
Organisation) I would be a most careful guardian of your money and your
trust.
Well, I am very happy to report that the project Riding for Afghanistan
has now reached critical mass and construction of the wells and other
water facilities is about to commence. Not only that, but Rosemary and I
have booked our trip to Afghanistan and we will be in a position to
inspect progress of the work. We are very excited about that prospect and
we are very much looking forward to reporting back to you.
Additionally we have done some further research on the hero of the first
Adelaide to Darwin ride, Jerome Murif, and that together with our reports
from Afghanistan will very soon be on our web site:
www.ridingforafghanistan.net.
Please feel free to visit the site and I sincerely hope you’ll find the
experience interesting.
If you would like to convey a message to us or the schools which will
benefit from your generosity, please contact me on: e-mail: dkom2@bigpond.net.au
Thank you, very best wishes and kind regards.
- Dick Marquardt
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