MIDDLE EAST
AFGHANISTAN
#3: Sewing Machines, Kabul, Afghanistan: The vocational sewing machine project in Kabul, Afghanistan was established by the Peace Torch Foundation (De Solay Daywa) and local Rotary clubs. The Peace Torch Foundation is a non-governmental, non-political, non partisan humanitarian organization which seeks to help the people of Afghanistan to recover from the hardship of war, to protect them from the continuing dangers of ignorance, sectarianism and racism and to foster the participation of Afghan women in the new economy and government of their country. The situation for women and children has become intolerable. The Peace Torch Foundation seeks to foster equality and dignity for all Afghans, and offers assistance, protection and education without discrimination of race or religion. The Foundation is helping to rebuild Afghanistan with grants of aid to the poorest elements of Afghan society.
The sewing machine project was set up to train 500 widows, mainly under the age of twenty. Commercial as well as individual sewing machines are provided to the widows. Sewing and marketing training is provided. Their products are sold in the local markets.
#17: Vitamins and Supplies
Kabul, Afghanistan
In September 2002, MEPO began its first new major project in Afghanistan a free mother child-care clinic on the outskirts of Kabul. With the great influx of refugee returnees to Kabul (500,000 the first year), the already-decimated medical services have been unable to provide desperately needed services and facilities for the people.
In order to help meet some of the need, MEPO established a mother-child care clinic in an area outside of Kabul where 50,000 families have no medical facilities. In particular, women and children have great difficulty in finding medical care. So to this end, MEPO established the HEWAD MCH Clinic (MCH = Mother-Child Health). [HEWAD is MEPOs implementing partner for projects in Afghanistan, assisting in administration and in negotiating the governmental bureaucracy. But the programs are designed and implemented by MEPO and the staff and supported by MEPOs generous donors.]
The HEWAD MCH has developed a reputation as one of the best clinics in the area. Patients come from far- away districts to be seen and receive services. Women and children are provided with free check-ups by the in-house gynecologist or pediatrician or midwife, lab services by the lab technician, and nutritional advice by the health educator. Medicines and vitamins also are provided. They charge the equivalent of 3 cents for each patient and there is a policy of waiving that fee for those who are unable to pay. www.mepoonline.org
#46: Radios, Afghanistan: $120.00 will buy a digital satellite radio, antenna and car battery for a remote area in Afghanistan. Young children and their families can hear songs and stories along with programs on child development. These programs are currently broadcast at childcare centers, schools and communities. More radios are needed for additional centers. Associated organization: Equal Access: www.myvillagelink.org/afghanistan.
#49: Trees, Afghanistan: $5.00 will buy a fruit tree in Lalander, Afghanistan. In Spring 2006 over 50 families will plant fruit trees and annual crops in an area that recently has received irrigation. These trees will help to restore over 150 acres of farmland, devastated by 25 years of war. Associated Organization: Trust in Education, www.trustineducation.org.
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ISRAEL
#51: Coffee and Supplies, Israel: $56.00 will buy a coffee urn and $370.00 will buy cups, saucers, cutlery, tablecloths, serving trays, tables and coffee and snacks for 1 year for facilitated bi-weekly gatherings of women affected by domestic violence. They receive practical help and emotional support. Associated Organization: Haifa Battered Women's Hotline.
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PAKISTAN
Project #2 Blankets, Pakistan: At the International School of Islamabad (ISOI), Pakistan, students are involved in community service projects through ACT (Acting in the Community Together). The mission of ACT is to make a positive difference within the ISOI community and in the greater community by ensuring each high school student willingly and consciously develops as a responsible global citizen by pursuing community service opportunities organized and promoted by ACT.
The environmental science class was inspired to have a blanket drive after they returned from a field trip during which they visited small villages. In these villages on the outskirts of Islamabad refugees and poverty-stricken families were living in makeshift houses. After talking to some of the villagers, the students learned that over 500 families did not have blankets. The students decided to organize a blanket drive to provide blankets to some of these villagers before the really cold weather set in. Additionally they asked for assistance through Lantern Projects.
Further information: http://web.isoi.edu.pk
#19: Wheelchairs, Rawalpindi, Pakistan: The student community service group at the International School of Islamabad, Pakistan is working at the hospice in Rawalpindi, Pakistan and has seen the need for wheelchairs. The hospice provides services for men, women and children. Most of patients are quadriplegic or terminally ill. The hospice also runs a physical therapy clinic for young children.
#60: Earthquake Relief, Pakistan: $15.00 provides a gas cylinder with light and burner for lighting and cooking; $17.00 provides a tool kit for reconstruction with a pick-ax, hammer, crowbar and 4 kg. of nails; and $22.00 buys a bedding kit containing a pillow, quilt, bed cover and two towels for earthquake victims in Siana, Pakistan.
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