Bpeace in Afghanistan

A bit of wind, combined with dirt and no rain since November and you get Kabul dust!

We hope it did not interfere with the work of our roommates at the Heetal Plaza Hotel, the crew and actors from the Bollywood production of “Kabul Express”! We met one of the actresses. She hails from Texas and is playing an Indian photojournalist . . .only in Kabul. The entire city is excited about the film as it features some of India’s most famous actors and Afghans are nuts for Indian cinema. Unfortunately one of its stars has fallen ill and has returned to India. Nothing serious though and Kate and Steve were happy to take over his vacant suite.

Note to Laurie: Steve believes his camera operator debut has resulted in some “good stuff” for the documentary but the team has noticed that he is wearing sunglasses indoors and affecting an attitude. His staff will need to straighten him out when he returns.

But on to Bpeace news. What a great day for Steve, Kate and Susan’s associate visits with Bahktnazira and Suria. We have so much to tell we do not know where to begin. Bahktnazira appears to have a real opportunity developing a commercial market for curtains and uniforms. But we need to help her restructure her retail business to make it profitable. The entire group shopped like mad in her shop and Kate (of course) bought a tunic whose design was inspired by Bahktnazira’s SRT design lessons. Quality and design are quite good. We spent a fascinating hour reviewing various Afghan embroidery designs and learned a great deal about what designs are still being created. We used some of this discussion to design 2 different belt samples!

After lunch (lamb kebabs of course) we took a drive to the outskirts of Kabul where we arrived at Suria’s where we were greeted by 12 women, most related to Suria. Happy to report that her samples for Sons and Daughter are complete, including (listen to this Rwanda team) a felted wool handbag! We left her with more samples to create for Ellen (who has an interested retailer) and hope to leave with all samples before departure.

On the meeting side of Bpeace operations: Marla and Laila were out seeking the money again and began the day at the Afghan Finance Company meeting with Ahmad Javed Jalali. AFC leases equipment for all industries in amounts ranging from $3000 to $500,000, taking an active role in the actual business development. Their portfolio is over $4 million. They are open to working with women. AFC is definitely a possible source of financing for our associates seeking significant equipment acquisition.

Afghan Wireless is the home of our computer instructor, Zabi (a handsome 20 something Afghan). Marla and Laila met with him to review our training program. Zabi lobbied Marla to allow men to participate in computer training. Marla held firm for now.

And to cap off the day it was off to a meeting with UNIFEM’s Lara Burger which ended with Bpeace providing a training opportunity for some of their program participants. Marla is hoping the gift will result in future favors.
The group regrouped for dinner with Rian Harris who is the U.S Embassy’s Economic Officer. Her role focuses on assisting US companies enter Afghanistan. Her report: There are not many. But she has been here only five months and appears to know every person in Kabul so if there is a way, we suspect she will find it. Rian has a great deal of interest in Bpeace’s work and is joining us for training on Saturday. Note to Kabul visitors past and present: We dined at the new luxury hotel the Serena. Excellent food but ridiculous prices for water. Drink tea instead.

As we drift off to bed, we are still only 4 as Paula and Athena are experiencing another night of Dubai luxury due to cancelled a UN flight. Never have 2 women been so unhappy to live the high life . . .we look forward to their 2nd attempt tomorrow