In order to stand against illiteracy in Afghanistan, the First Lady’s Office provided 3000 Literacy books in two national languages and some stationery to the Deputy Minister of Literacy and Ministry of Education.
First Lady of Islamic Republic of Afghanistan
"This is your world, shape it or someone else will!"
BibiGul, October 8, 2014
The First Lady is very hopeful that the rising generations of Afghans will bring new energy to the rebuilding of Afghanistan. With her team she works hard so that the young people of this country are provided with all the opportunities to grow strong, capable, and ready to assume their responsibilities towards their homeland. Her main areas of interest are:
The First Lady is very hopeful that the rising generations of Afghans will bring new energy to the rebuilding of Afghanistan. With her team she works hard so that the young people of this country are provided with all the opportunities to grow strong, capable, and ready to assume their responsibilities towards their homeland. Her main areas of interest are:
H.E the First Lady participated in the celebration of International Youth Day along with H.E the President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani. In this ceremony, youth from different parts of the country gathered to express their feelings and talked about their problems and suggestions with H.E the president and the First Lady. Following that, three young females gave scarves which had the three colors of our flag as a gift to H.E the First Lady. H.E the First Lady appreciated youths in a brief speech and stated that they are the ones upon whom the future of Afghanistan depends.
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In presence of H.E Muhammad Ashraf Ghani, the president of Afghanistan, H.E Rula (Bibi Gul) Ghani, the First Lady of Afghanistan, met the Afghan Robotic Girls’ team who won the 2nd position of bravery in the latest match in USA. Besides congratulating the achievements of these girls, H.E the First Lady added that Afghan girls learned from your movement, and your achievement encouraged others to seek knowledge.
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A number of young Afghans who play roles in the International Court’s show had a meeting with H.E the First Lady. They talked about their learning outcomes, in the areas of law and justice, from the play with H.E the First Lady. Also, the group is going to hold a conference next month and requested the First Lady to be their special guest in the conference. Besides encouraging the guests, H.E the First Lady stated that exercising the court is good for improving judgment skills for those who want to work as lawyers, attorneys or judges in the future, and they will be practically familiar to the international laws. Meanwhile she stated: “it’s an honor that Afghan youths are in a sound competition with their international competitors and I hope that they will be the future winners of such competitions.” Ms. Zohra Yousuf and Ms. Marjan Mateen, Advisors to H.E the First Lady, were present as well.
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On May 12, 2017, a group of female Fulbrighter had an introductory meeting with H.E the First Lady in her office and wanted to share their experiences of the universities where they were studying at with H.E the First Lady. Students mentioned that they have a Fulbright Student’s Association that has 500 members of which 100 people are female who are working in governmental offices, and it an honor for all of them. H.E the First Lady stated: “students who are returning to the country after completing their education are worth apperciation. She added that her office will be in touch with them and will exchange ideas with them in different aspects.” Ms. Zohra Yousuf, Media Advisor to the First Lady, was also present at this meeting.
» Read MoreThe time lost in decades of war broke the chain of passing down our culture and practices from last generation to next. Young generations of Afghans either grew up in Immigration or their families were too caught up in day to day survival; social respect and norms were lost in those struggles. We bring stories of past culture and present issues that could be solved with reviving those cultures. You can share your stories at info@firstlady.gov.af
A letter to the president
On Sept 24, 2017, Ms. Zohra Yousuf Media advisor to H.E the First Lady, participated in the official screening of “A letter to the President” movie by Roya Film House in TOLO TV hall.
In her story, Ms. Roya Sadat has shared the sad story of an Afghan woman who works for the government as well as the truth of Afghan society. The film was directed by Ms. Roya Sadat, and its scenario was organized by Mr. Aziz Dildar. It worth mentioning that, the main character of the movie was played by Ms. Lina Alam. Currently, the film is supposed to be nominated for Oscar Awards.
At the beginning of the program, Ms. Sadat talked about the challenges she faced with while making of the film. Also, she pointed out that due to the lack of a cultural center and standard cinemas, they had to screen the movie in Ariana Cinema. She requested the Afghan Government to pay special attention to Cinema and Theater.
Mr. Sancharaki, Deputy Minister of Ministry of Culture and Information, confirming Ms. Sadat stated that there have been very few investments dedicated to culture and art within the last 16 years while cinema can play an important role in reflecting the reality of our society and its reform.
As he was being sworn in as President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan on September 29, 2014/Mizan 7, 1393, H.E. Ashraf Ghani thanked his wife thus automatically underlining the establishment of Afghanistan’s First Lady Office. The decision for the Office to focus on social and non-political issues was based on the Background of H.E. the First Lady and her previous work assisting IDPs (internally displaced people) and children working on the streets of Kabul. The office of H.E. the First Lady of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan was established in October 2014/Mizan 1393.
A prosperous Afghanistan where all Afghans, especially women, are respected regardless of ethnic background, gender, power or position.
To improve the provision of quality services to all vulnerable sections of the population through monitoring and facilitation.
Basic needs in Afghanistan are enormous. Given the non-political nature of this office and its recent establishment, the main areas of interest are:
Hundreds of groups and individuals from all over Afghanistan have come and still do, hoping to share their concerns, hopes, and achievements, wiht the First Lady.
The Office of the First Lady has served as a channel for these citizens, connecting them with relevant branches of government to ensure their voice is heard.
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Please contact our office by e-mail at info@firstlady.gov.af
You will be requested to state the reason why you want to meet with the First Lady as well as some information about your activities and those of your group.
The Office will then inform you of the date of your meeting and will provide you with directions to the Office.
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The First Lady is happy to meet with all sections of society.
She is especially intrested in helping groups that are active in Afghan society develop their potential and reach their goals.
The Office of the First Lady is not allocated an operational budget. In other words, this Office has no funds to distribute. The Office does provide assistance in networking and access to information.
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"I Shall Not Remain Silent"
BibiGul on Drug Abuse, November 2015
The First Lady is speaking up on a few National Issues:
The First Lady is speaking up on a few National Issues:
On September 6, 2107, the International Day of Literacy was celebrated in the presence of H.E Rula(Bibigul) Ghani, the First Lady of Afghanistan, Mr. Sarwar Danesh, the Second Vice President of the country, the Deputies of Ministry of Education and Literacy Department, National Police and press at Amani High School. The ceremony began with a speech by Mr. Danesh. He stated, “The first people who participated in literacy courses were King Amanullah’s soldiers. He added that even the king himself would sometime take part on those classes, and the Unity Government emphasizes on educating the people. Also, H.E the First Lady asserted,” if the people of this country have the opportunity to study and learn, they are going to play an important role in the creation of peace.” In this program, Mr. Shinwari, the Deputy Minister of Education, Mr. Rahimi, the Deputy Minister of Literacy, the delegate of UNESCO, one of the students of the literacy classes and the National Police’ Head of Education at Ministry of Interior Affairs presented their opinions related to the importance of literacy in Afghanistan. At last, the awards, named after H.E Rula (Bibi Gul) Ghani, were granted to the governors from Faryab, Nimroz, Parwan, Konar and Bamyan as well as the heads of literacy courses in Panjshir and Nimruz by Deputy of the Literacy. H.E Rula (Bibigul) Ghani who is the Honorary Ambassador of Literacy also received an award. The literacy classes have been very useful for the mentioned provinces with great outcomes.
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H.E Rula (Bibigul) Ghani participatedin the ceremony of Girl’s Hygiene Day that was held in MarMarin Palace on August 30, 2017. The purpose of this celebration was to inform the public, government, and financial supporters about girls’ hygiene for providing facilitations at schools including the existence and availability of equipped washrooms. The First Lady had a comprehensive speech about the Girl’s Hygiene stating that our young daughters are the future mothers, so they have to take care of their health. They should be able to play a healthy and clean mother’s role in their families. Paying attention to hygiene impacts both the better performance of the daily activity and happiness.. In this program, people talked about different dimensions and importance of the girl’s hygiene.
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In order to stand against illiteracy in Afghanistan, the First Lady’s Office provided 3000 Literacy books in two national languages and some stationery to the Deputy Minister of Literacy and Ministry of Education. The aid packages of the First Lady’s office, purchased from her personal budget, was handed over to the Ministry of Education in presence of the officials. The packages which are considered for 1000 people, will be distributed by the Ministry of Education. In her speech, the First Lady emphasized on the necessity of an educated society stating that to reach this goal all the people should work together. She called on all financial supporters and people to assist the Ministry of Education in providing the teaching materials and publication of Literacy books. Asadullah Hanif Balkhi, appreciated and thanked the First Lady for focusing on education, and hoped that this aid package will be a beginning for the cooperations of people and institutions in educating the society. He also added that the Ministry of Education do not have a specific budget for the publication of literacy books, so we need donations. During the meeting, the First Lady assured that her office will help in the implementation of the literacy program with the Ministry of Education.
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H.E the First Lady participated in a program which was organized by Afghanistan Research and Evaluation Unit in MarMareen Palace. At the beginning of the program, Ms. Orzala Ashraf head of AREU welcomed the First Lady and asked her to start the session by her speech. H.E the First Lady thanked AREU and Germany for their assistance and stated that this kind of research and study will help the afghan government to have exact evaluation of its work plans. Also, it will help those people to have a concept of the country who desire to work with the Afghan government. Minister of Refugees and Repatriation, Minister of Mines, Head of Administrative Reforms, Parliamentarians, Acting Head of Local Government, Ambassadors of Germany and Sweden and media were also present in this program. And Ms. Zohar Yousuf was accompanying H.E the First Lady in this program.
» Read MoreWe value Volunteerism. Volunteers are an important part of communities and we encourage youth to make this culture common among communities inside and outside the cities. You can register with us as volunteer here.
H.E Rula (Bibi Gul) Ghani’s, the First Lady of Afghanistan, visit to Washington DC resulted in many useful outcomes. On this trip, in USIP and CSIS programs, the First Lady among her comprehensive speech on women’s role in Afghan society, Economic Empowerment, holding the symposiums of 2016 and 2017, changing the mentality of violence to peace, stated that today Afghan women and girls have taken strong steps toward improving life and their presence as well has been sensed in different sectors in Afghanistan. However, they have a long way ahead to reach their goals and take active part in the society. During the mentioned programs, short documentaries on Afghan women economic activities, establishment of AWCCI and a documentary film of the 4th symposium under the title of “Afghan Women, Messengers of Peace” were screened. Moreover, the First Lady had an introductory meeting with American congress women who are members of Afghan – American Women Council in Washington D.C. H.E Rula (Bibi Gul) Ghani’s, the First Lady of Afghanistan, visit to Washington DC resulted in many useful outcomes. On this trip, in USIP and CSIS programs, the First Lady among her comprehensive speech on women’s role in Afghan society, Economic Empowerment, holding the symposiums of 2016 and 2017, changing the mentality of violence to peace, stated that today Afghan women and girls have taken strong steps toward improving life and their presence as well has been sensed in different sectors in Afghanistan. However, they have a long way ahead to reach their goals and take active part in the society. During the mentioned programs, short documentaries on Afghan women economic activities, establishment of AWCCI and a documentary film of the 4th symposium under the title of “Afghan Women, Messengers of Peace” were screened. Moreover, the First Lady had an introductory meeting with American congress women who are members of Afghan – American Women Council in Washington D.C. Also, the First Lady had a meeting with Mrs. Laura Bush (who is one of the supporters of Afghan women activities) in Afghan Embassy. Meanwhile, they had an interview with CNN about the activities and success of Afghan Women. Following that, the First Lady accompanied by Laura Bush, attended Asia Society Game Changers Gala and presented the Education Game Changers award to Sesame Street and the Afghan muppet Zari, a well know program in Afghanistan. The First Lady also attended the screening of the movie “Bread Winner” that reflects the situation of Afghan women during Taliban’s regime. This film is produced by Angelina Joly a popular American actress.
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On Oct 19, 2017, as per invitation of the “Mothers for Peace “ organization which is non-profit, traveled to the Ypres city of Belgium(city of peace). Ypres is one of those cities that was ruined during the First World War; however, its people rebuilt this place with a very strong will and named as the peace city. H.E the First Lady was very much welcomed by the mayor of Ypres and visited the museum of war which was located in the named place. The First Lady also met a local school’s students who are in touch with Afghans through “Mothers for Peace”. It is worth mentioning that “Mothers for Peace” works on literacy, handicrafts and health clinics in Dashte-barchi, Jalalabad, and Herat. Furthermore, H.E the First Lady had an introductory meeting with the queen of Belgium, Mathilde, and she wished if the National Music Institute of Afghanistan could have a trip to Belgium due to her interest in this group. In this trip, Ms. Zohra Yousuf, Media and Public Relation's Adviser to the First Lady, and Mr. Monawar, the ambassador of Afghanistan in Belgium was also accompanying her. The preparations organized by the Embassy of Afghanistan are appreciated
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As per invitation of the University of Political Sciences, H.E the First Lady, Rula (Bibigul) Ghani, travelled to France on October 13, 2017. The First Lady, who is also a graduate of this school, gave a comprehensive speech about the cases in Afghanistan which was very much appreciated by the audiences. Some of the Afghans who are currently studying at this university asked questions related to the discussed topic and received reasonable responses either in English or French. Furthermore, H.E the First Lady visited the Head of Afghan French Institute which has been cooperating with Afghanistan in the field of Education since 1980 at the Embassy. Likewise, H.E the First Lady had an introductory As per invitation of the University of Political Sciences, H.E the First Lady, Rula (Bibigul) Ghani, travelled to France on October 13, 2017. The First Lady, who is also a graduate of this school, gave a comprehensive speech about the cases in Afghanistan which was very much appreciated by the audiences. Some of the Afghans who are currently studying at this university asked questions related to the discussed topic and received reasonable responses either in English or French. Furthermore, H.E the First Lady visited the Head of Afghan French Institute which has been cooperating with Afghanistan in the field of Education since 1980 at the Embassy. Likewise, H.E the First Lady had an introductory meeting with Ms. Macron, the French president’s wife, at Alize Palace, and talked about the young generation and the Internet, Afghan refugees at the camp of Kala and the French Hospital in Kabul. In this trip, Ms. Zohra Yousuf, Adviser to the First Lady, and the Ambassador of Afghanistan in France were also accompanying her. The Office of the First Lady appreciates the security provisions of the Afghan Embassy in France.
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On June 30, 2017, H.E the First Lady participated in a conference with the title of “Fostering Women’s Empowerment and Leadership” which was held in Paris. During her comprehensive speech about Afghan Women’s achievements, the First Lady stated: “Unfortunately war and violence have always been the obstacles for women’s improvement. Indeed, women can remove the obstacle from their way if they have peace and security. It is women who play the role in providing and maintaining peace and security within the family and society. However, holding Kabul Symposium and the participation of a significant number of women in it is the witness that women are the messengers of peace in a war zone country like Afghanistan." Following that, Ms. Alema, Deputy Minister of Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation, talked about 1325 resolution (Security, women and Peace). She requested the international community to help the Afghan Government in the implementation of this resolution. Besides the First Lady, Ms. Irina Bokova Head of UNESCO, the president of Malta, the former president of Finland, Head of African Union, the head of Arabic Emirate Federal Parliament and the former deputy to the prime minister of Spain were also present in this conference. On June 29, 2017, H.E the First Lady took part in a banquet provided by the Afghan Embassy in Paris. The Afghan citizens of Paris and Afghan student in Paris were also present in this gathering and exchanged their ideas with the First Lady. Ms. Zohra Yousuf, Media and Public Relations Affairs advisor to H.E the First Lady was accompanying the First Lady in this trip.
» Read More"The Afghan woman is strong.She should not be seen as a weak individual. This is a woman who, after years of war and insecurity, has carried on relentlessly and assumed her responsibilities. "
Bibigul, Women's International Day, March 8, 2015
Our efforts are guided by two main goals:
At the first day of SOM (Senior Officials Meeting) conference in Afghanistan, H.E Rula Bibi Gul Ghani the First Lady of Afghanistan opened the Afghan Women Economic Empowerment Panel, presenting a comprehensive speech. In this session, H.E Muhammad Ashraf Ghani, the president of Afghanistan was accompanying the First Lady. The First Lady, talked about the achievements of Afghan women over the past 16 years and the two symposium; “Women Economic Empowerment” 2016, “Afghan Women, Messengers of Peace” 2017 which were held in Kabul with the initiative of the First Lady and her Office efforts with the cooperation of Ministry of Women Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Afghan Women Network and the international community. She expressed her happiness for the establishment of AWCCI which was the outcome symposium in 2016. Furthermore, she added that Afghan women are brave, patient and hardworking women who have suffered a lot while losing their loved ones in the war. According to the First Lady, these women shall be considered as messengers of peace.
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On Oct 2, 2017, the first Afghan Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry was inaugurated in Marmaren Palace in presence of H.E Rula (Bibi Gul) Ghani the First Lady of Afghanistan. In a video message, H.E Muhammad Ashraf Ghani, the President of Afghanistan, stated that Afghan businesswomen laid the foundation of an excellent opportunity by the means of which they can exchange their ideas in this chamber. Also, the attendance of their representatives in the Economic Council will help them to share their problems. H.E the First Lady stated that as a result of last year’s symposium, “Afghan Women Economic Empowerment”, female entrepreneurs succeeded to form an Independent Chamber of Commerce in the framework of Chamber of Commerce of Ministry of Commerce and Industry which is a great pleasure for us. She added that women’s self-sufficiency will help men while dealing with poverty and play a significant role in improving the economic situation of the family and society. Ms. Manizha Wafiq one of the founders of this Chamber of Commerce, appreciated the First Lady’s efforts and support and called upon people to purchase their products. Meanwhile, the Minister of Women Affairs, and Deputy Ministers from Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Economic and Ministry of Finance presented comprehensive speeches about the inauguration of AWCCI.
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H.E the First Lady of Afghanistan participated in the inauguration ceremony of the “Gender and Human Rights” 2nd Phase construction built by CISTEKA in the new location of the Ministry of Interior Affairs to bring facilitation for the female police officers. Besides appreciating this service that was provided by SISTEKA and Ministry of Interior Affairs, H.E asserted that “I hope our brave, patriotic police can arrest the criminals to prove that police is in service of its nation.” The minister of Interior Affairs of Afghanistan, Mr. Wais Barmak, thanked H.E for her attendance in this gathering and pointed out that her participation in such programs is necessary for the improvement of women. Ms. Delbar Nazari, many officials from the Ministry of Interior Affairs and Her Excellency’s Adviser, Ms. Nadia Saleh, were also present in the program.
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H.E Rula (Bibi Gul) Ghani had an introductory meeting with the institute of Zardozi. She was very pleased with this institution for standing on its own and becoming a place for a number of women who want to work and earn money through their own efforts. Zardozi is a non-profit organization that has been created with the co-operation of native and local Afghan women who provided a working environment by themselves. Their products are based on their customer’s choice and demand. Women spend their earnings on their families. These women struggled very hard to bring facilitation as transportation, water and electricity. They even talked to men to convince them to let their wives to become financially self-dependent. At first, they were supported by foreigners; however, they have become independent since the international aids were cut. This market has become very much successful that it could establish the council called half of the World by which the local women can share their problems. Zardozi is active in 5 provinces of the country (Kabul, Mazar, Herat, Jalal Abad and Kapisa) and support about6000 women. Zardozi is a good model for financial and social self-dependency by Afghan women who have tried very hard to take part in family responsibilities.
» Read More"He who is standing should reach down to the fallen one"
Saadi Shirazi, 13th Century Poet
Several decades of conflict and war have disrupted the very fabric of Afghan society. Families were torn apart, people were wounded or maimed, some died, other disappeared or moved away, and many widows were left to raise their children on their own. People fled from unsafe locations, some to urban centers in Afghanistan, other to neighboring countries. Over the past fifteen years, the situation has slowly improved and the Afghan extended family, the pillar of Afghan society, is being reconstituted. But the sequels of war remain. The attention of the First Lady and her team is focused on the most vulnerable of these populations:
Several decades of conflict and war have disrupted the very fabric of Afghan society. Families were torn apart, people were wounded or maimed, some died, other disappeared or moved away, and many widows were left to raise their children on their own. People fled from unsafe locations, some to urban centers in Afghanistan, other to neighboring countries. Over the past fifteen years, the situation has slowly improved and the Afghan extended family, the pillar of Afghan society, is being reconstituted. But the sequels of war remain. The attention of the First Lady and her team is focused on the most vulnerable of these populations:
On August 29, 2017, the Adviers to H.E the First Lady of Afghanistan served the lunch, prepared by the Office of the First Lady, to 700 children in the Alawuddin, Tahiya Maskan and Private Asra Orphanages. The Advisers spent some hours with the children and gave them H.E’s message of Congratulating Eid. Besides, they listened to the complaints and suggestions of the staff working there and promised to report all of their problems to H.E the First Lady for the betterment of the situation of the orphanages.
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On August 22, 2017, Ms. Zohra Yousuf, Media and Public Relations’ Affairs Adviser to H.E the First Lady of Afghanistan, visited Omid Hospital where addicted people are treated. She talked with some young of the young patients about providing better services and H.E the First Lady’s special attention to this center. She also expressed her happiness from the hospital’s staff for fulfilling their duties. Currently, 760 patients are under vocational and technical treatment in Omid Hospital.One of the people under therapy in this center is the very known journalist Mr. Abdul Hai Aber with whom Ms. Yousuf had a conversation. Mr. Aber seemed very happy about the facilitation and services in this place. The treatment Center contains 150 beds for addicted female and children. While monitoring different rooms, Ms. Yousuf listened to women’s complaints and promised to talk to H.E the First Lady about their problems. One of the main problem that the discharged ones struggle with is lack of job and accommodation. Also, Addicted Females reported that they used to buy drug from police stations, so the Ministry of Interior Affairs must special attention to this regard. The hospital also provides some vocational programs for women to learn some skills, tailoring and make-up.
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H.E the First Lady of Afghanistan had an introductory meeting with the team of female wheelchair basketball players in her office. The team consists of 12 young afghan females who participated in the Asian Competitions in Indonesia and won the 1st position and a gold medal among 4 Asian countries. Besides praising this big achievements, H.E the First Lady announced them as the pride of this country and added that such achievements of the young generation will be written in the history of our country to make the afghan nation proud. The girls thanked H.E the First Lady for giving them the time to share their problems, suggestions and honor from the Asian matches with her. Following that, Ms. Nadia Saleh and Ms. Zohra Yousuf, advisers to H.E the First Lady, granted the certificates on behalf of H.E the First Lady to the wheelchair basketball players in Orthopedic center of Red Cross. This actions encouraged and pleased these girls, and each of them thanked H.E the First Lady for her kindness. Wheelchair basketball players promised to try their best to achieve the championship for Afghanistan. The determination of these women in such unpleasant condition of Afghanistan is appreciable.
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On June 21, 2017, Advisors to H.E the First Lady of Afghanistan along with their assistants visited Alawodeen, Tahya Maskan governmental orphanage and Asra Private Orphanages located in Kabul. At the beginning, one of the representatives delivered the congratulating message of H.E the First Lady of Eid to the children in the mentioned orphanages and wished them a happy and prosperous life. Then, distributed the food and gifts on behalf of the First Lady. The children were very happy and thankful for the First Lady’s kindness and mercy.
» Read MoreDue to war we have lost our valuable resources that were present in archives and libraries. This is the time to bring back scholarly essays about Islamic Civilization that are written through different course of history by Afghan Scholars- Please share your work with us at info@firstlady.gov.af
Four decades of war in Afghanistan has left us with instability, lack of security and lost lives. The war has left many grieved families and gave them little time to heal. This page honors lives that were lost in war through sharing their stories and memories. Please share your story with us at info@firstlady.gov.af
Kandahar is well known as the birthplace of the Taliban, beginning in Arghandab; the birth village of Mullah Muhammad Omar. His popularity increased during the late 80s when he led the Battle of Arghandab, which was an offensive led by Afghan and Soviet forces but ended in utter failure. Arghandab is a district within the central part of Kandahar province, known for its green and agricultural landscape. During my first day in Kandahar I visited Arghandab district and was astounded with what I was seeing within the first few minutes. The mesmerizing beautiful greenery weaving through the district, the calm and hospitable residents, and the river of Arghandab – which dries up during the summer but maintains a crystal clear demeanor through the rest of the year. On the outskirts of the river, next to a small waterway, we had a melon and saw a man who had a shop there - cooling himself off from the heat by immersing himself in the river.
My journey across Afghanistan has taken me to many different regions, including Mazar-e-Sharif, Herat, Kandahar and Nangarhar. Each of them has presented some wonderful memories, people and experiences – but the one place that has surprised me tremendously is Kandahar. I found it unpredictably secure, friendlier than many other regions across the country (including some great camera posers), a mutual respect for the law but an underlying struggle for peace regardless. I am glad that my experiences from Kandahar can possibly change the mindsets of people whom are thinking that the entirety of Kandahar could be your graveyard - well yeah! You will find many graveyards in every corner of the city or around the villages. My local friend had asked me while showing me the city, ‘’How did Kandahar look to you?” I frequently answered: ‘’It was amazing and I never thought of such positivity around, but why are there so many cemeteries?” Feroz responded by saying, ‘’ Well, these graveyards are the price of peace in Kandahar.” Even though you will not see any official license plates on cars (mostly being either from a Dubai plate number or without a plate completely), people drive very carefully, following the traffic lights, which would be rare in the capital. I saw a local man standing with his motorcycle at 11pm for the red light in a road which you will not see any other cars passing by. The nightlife among people is busy, many staying out and mingling, eating and chatting past midnight. They are people who love to enjoy life and not live under the shadow of fear. One of the nights I was in ‘AINO MEENA’ (The New Modern City of Kandahar, with beautiful fountains on the road, amazing boulevards and bright lights at night) having dinner with my fellow colleagues and just as we were about to finish the meal, we ordered tea with a hookah. Looking up, we saw three bullet proof cars parked on the roadside with 10 bodyguards around their boss. The restaurant we were having our tea had an open space beside the road so a policeman came and kicked on those cars not to park there and the bodyguards ran towards him. This was the first time during my trip in which I was scared and thought they will beat or kill this police man. The bodyguards had RPGs, Machine Guns and AK47Kalashnikovs. Surprisingly, they were begging the policeman to let them be there. “Once they are eating and finished, then we will leave’’ said one of the guards. The kindness and civility absolutely shocked me. Throughout my time in Kandahar, a friend of a friend allowed me to use a car to drive around if I needed to get around the city. At every police checkpoint, questions were asked such as, "What have you got? A gun, a card?" If I said no, they would ask, "Mind if I check?" And if I agreed, then they would say I am good to go and to stay blessed. I remember my last day in Kandahar when I was asked the same questions at a final police checkpoint and the officer began again with, "What have you got?" and I answered: "I've got myself and this car." He replied: ‘’Then tell me you've got an iPhone and glasses as well!" I ended our conversation by telling him how proud I was to be stopped by such a young and strong police officer. His happiness showed through his face and he shook my hands and said, ‘’Allah De Mal Sha Zwana’’: which means, "May Allah protect you always, young man!" This is how mutual respect happens only in Kandahar. As I have mentioned earlier, every little second in Kandahar was filled with surprises and priceless memories. I can only share a few in this piece of writing but I can happily say that Kandahar is in a state of constant growth and peace. Change your perception and see it for yourself! - Qayce Alamdar
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