Bpeace in Afghanistan: Dashing off greetings from Najib and Laila

Wednesday, December 07, 2005

Dashing off greetings from Najib and Laila

Another bright sunny dusty day has dawned here. This is an extra blog posting as this morning's writer (Kate) has 5 minutes while I wait for group. Indian TV station on in the background here in the reception area where the Internet connection resides (and sometimes doesn't).

Doing our standard morning mission dance as everyone is off the their various vans with their assigned translators and drivers . . . Steve trying to get pictures uploaded from yesterday's blog as connection speed is better in the morning. Stay tuned for those. Paula WHERE ARE YOU?

In the meantime Najib and Laila asked me to dash off this greeting to the Bpeace team. They say hello and hope everyone is well. It has been beyond wonderful to be with them again. Najib's spirit is the essence of grace. Toni, he still has the cell phone glued to his ear, though the ring tune has changed (thank god).

We want to thank all you bloggers out there. THANK YOU so much for all the posts. They are keeping us energized!

Comments:

Good morning Afghanistan. I see that you're well into another intense day. The photos are wonderful! Where's Paula? Marla, "follow the money." Love to all, Golde.

# posted by

golde : Wednesday, December 07, 2005

Darling Bpeacers...I'm new to blogging but when I read your entries, I need to tell you that I'm simply thrilled. What an adventure and forgive me for a little Yiddish but what a mitzvah you are performing for our associates and soon-to-be associates. Get well to Susan and speedy recovery! Aside to Steve: You brought your training equipment? I am in awe! Much love to all of you,
Ellen Lubin-Sherman

# posted by

Ellen Lubin-Sherman : Wednesday, December 07, 2005

Post a Comment

<< Home

: Name: Who is Bpeace?

Bpeace (The Business Council for Peace) is a non-profit international network of business professionals who volunteer to help women entrepreneurs in countries emerging from war expand their businesses, create employment and build a more peaceful future for their communities. More jobs mean less violence.

View my complete profile

Links

Click Me and Donate Now!

www.bpeace.org

Afghan Team Overview

Join Us

Women for Afghan Women

Who is on this Bpeace mission?
Kate Buggeln, retail industry executive serving on the boards of Dress Barn and Circles Inc.
Marla Gitterman, Bpeace Program Director.
Athena Katsaros, founder of IdeaTribe, a life and leadership coaching consulting firm.
Paula Lerner, award-winning professional photographer
Stephen Kulovits , healthcare industry executive with the Montefiore Medical Center.
Susan McPhearson, vice-president/strategic accounts at PR Newswire.

Who are the Afghan women Bpeace is working with?
There are 21 entrepreneurial Afghan women in Bpeace programs. We call them our Associates.
Seven are engaged in diversified businesses including freight forwarding, construction, media and HR services.
The rest are currently engaged in apparel and accessory production in Kabul, employing 12-300 women doing piece work in their homes and small workshops.

What is the purpose of this Bpeace mission to Kabul?
To accelerate progress with the women in our three-year mentoring program!
This mission will focus on three key activities:
1. One on one work sessions with each Associate to assess their business development progress, identify quick wins and develop actions plans to address problems and opportunities, working closely with US mentors to define next six months of work effort and focus
2. Business training with the Bpeace Associates and over 100 members of the Afghanistan Women's Business Federation and will include developing winning business plans, building a successful retail business, effective business marketing and developing a professional success map
3. Obtaining business funding and financing furthering our networks and relationships with potential donors for Bpeace projects and identfying and linking lenders for the women's emerging businesses

Who is paying for this Bpeace mission?
We are, out of our pockets. Bpeace members pay for their own travel on missions, thereby ensuring that donor funds raised go directly into programs for our women in the field.

Email Bpeace