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Nearly six years since the war in Afghanistan, the country is still need of reconstruction, broad access to education, security and other needs for a peaceful, democratic society.
To help in this effort, dozens of local citizens came out to support Afghans for Civil Society fundraising events held around Baltimore this summer. The show was part of Afghans for Civil Society (ACS) weekend long program of events designed to show how more Baltimore citizens can get involved to help empower Afghans.
Afghans for Civil Society, founded by Baltimore businessman Qayum Karzai, manages several programs in Afghanistan dedicated to developing democracy, independent media and economic independence for all Afghans.
A multi-media presentation and photo exhibit about life for Afghan women was featured in Baltimore’s Metro Gallery. Recently returned from Afghanistan, photojournalist Paula Lerner shot the exhibit.
Those in attendance viewed images from Afghanistan that captured scenes from Kandahar, life for Afghan schoolchildren and women seeking economic independence through ACS Women’s Income Generation Project.
“It’s encouraging to see Afghanistan hasn’t been forgotten here. There is still so much work that needs to be done,” ACS volunteer Hameeda Hameed said.
On July 28th, for brief talks on projects in Afghanistan, Lerner was joined with Anna Hacker the founder of the Women’s Center of Kabul, Rangina Hamidi field director for Afghans for Civil Society and Anne Brodsky, University of Maryland- Baltimore faculty recently returned from Afghanistan.
A larger panel discussion on developments in Afghanistan was held on July 29th at St. Mark’s Church and moderated by WYPR’s Marc Steiner. The women will be joined by Fahima Vorgetts, founder of the Afghan Women’s Fund and Qayum Karzai, ACS founder.
Throughout the weekend, guests had the opportunities to purchase Afghan embroidery, beadwork and jewelry produced through ACS’ Women’s Income Generation Project. The WIG program now provides employment for over 500 Kandahar women--many of them widows--and their families. It is one of several ways local Baltimore residents can get involved in developing a peaceful Afghanistan.
For more information on hosting ACS Goodwill events, please contact our US Coordinator ()
Refreshments provided by: Helmand Restaurant, b- Bolton Hill Bistro and Tapas Teatro.
Special thanks to The Metro Gallery, St. Marks Church & our volunteers.
