Bpeace in Afghanistan

Sunday, December 11, 2005

The Goddess Athena's Wisdom

Athena led 130 women in an excellent day-long seminar, starting with the Success Map, later followed by the Marketing Map.

Bpeace associates discuss Athena's Success Map. Left to right: Habiba, Bakhtnazira, Suria and Hanifa.

With the help of interpreter Simin (in black head scarf), Athena answers Bpeace associate's questions during the training.

6 Hours and 130 women later the Bpeace team is blogging once again . . .

But let's roll back to the beginning.

So we were nervous. They kept coming and coming. All these women! And then the men started showing up! Training day at the Afghanistan International Chamber of Commerce was beginning. The microphones didn't work. We ran out of chairs. Then we ran out of hand-outs.

But then the electricity came on and so too did our leader Athena. She was simply amazing, keeping a group of diverse women ranging from high heeled suit types to illiterate burqa clad women enraptured with the wisdom contained in the Success and Marketing Maps. You could hear the room's buzz as they worked the training materials. Bpeace team members ran around the room answering questions. Something was happening. Somethings stuck. Bravo Athena.

Comments:

I've met a lot of extraordinary people in my life but Athena...she's just amazing! What a moment for a genius star to turn her light on. Athena, remind me to give you an extra hug when I see you! Thinking of you on a very cold Sunday, wishing you all well.
Adoringly,
Ellen Lubin-Sherman

# posted by  Ellen Lubin-Sherman : Sunday, December 11, 2005

 

Athena, who knew your success with the Success Map would take you all the way to Afghanistan? It's a wonderful thing to inspire these women with their future. Hope the day made you happy.

--Toni

# posted by  Tonim : Sunday, December 11, 2005

 

If you build it, they really will come! This team has built something so strong and vibrant - something that speaks to so many women (and men), and delivers so much understanding, knowledge and hope along the way. May hat is off to all of you. Love, Golde.

# posted by  golde : Sunday, December 11, 2005

 

Athena - I am sooooo proud of you - I have tears in my eyes, as I write this - I am so happy your dream came true and in doing so you are setting loose all that energy in other dreamers. Must dash- I'm going to print off these pictures and take them over to your Mum's house right now- she's going to be sooooo very thrilled to see them!
Congrats to the wholeBPeace team for all that you are doing - thank you again for inspiring all of us back home - Take care - sending you love

Vanda

# posted by  Anonymous : Sunday, December 11, 2005

 

Susan-

I am so proud of you and your team! What an amazing weekend you all had.

# posted by  tgellert : Sunday, December 11, 2005

 

That's awesome Athena that you are helping so many people. Bye!

# posted by  Alex (Athena's nephew) : Sunday, December 11, 2005

 

As a emeritus professor and an alumna of a women's college in the US, we are glad to know that your endeavour is reaching so many women and will hopefully provide a long-term impact towards financial independence and self-sufficiency. Best wishes for the remainder of your mission, Susan et al!

Dave Spector (Sherman David Spector)

# posted by  Anonymous : Sunday, December 11, 2005

 

The Bpeace vision continues moves forward and expands--it's wonderful and amazing. Thanks all for your planning, preparation, sacrifice, enthusiasm bringing your experience and expertise to the Afghan ladies, their families and Afghanistan. Thanks, also, for the Blog. I actually feel as if I am in Kabul again--my mind and subconscious filling in the many trials, tribulations and satisfactions you experience each day. Please say hello, to all the Associates and Najib, Hider, Daud. I miss them all and hope all is well with each and every one. Tell them we will see them in April. One request: Ask Rahima about her wrist. Is it ok? Any pain? Of course, we congratulate her upon her election to the Parliament. We are very proud of her and all she has and is accomplishing. God is with her. I'm late in sending this comment--it is a little difficult reading about the adventure rather than living it. Keep safe and healthy!! Sorry Steve but the devil is making me do it: May the big pumpkin in the sky smile down on your newfound creative talents. Best to all,
Ray

# posted by  Ray M : Sunday, December 11, 2005

 

It is so exciting to read and see what you are accomplishing.... and the many lives you are all touching..
my thoughts are with you

all the best,
anne glauber

# posted by  anneg : Monday, December 12, 2005

 

Athena - this is so amazing - it is so great to see you doing your thing over there!!!! And, to all. What an amazing bridge you are to the way that things can change through peace and relationship! I am so proud to know you all - and a special hug to you Athena!
Love - Kate (and Antares!)

# posted by  Kate's Musings : Monday, December 12, 2005

 

Athena!

We are all so proud of you here in our little N.Cal valley! Who knew you were such a big name in the world:) I am so glad everything is going so well for you all there-it appears that everyday is, and will be, so powerful and successful for your mission there. We all love you!

Stay warm!

Kelley

# posted by  Kelley keogh : Monday, December 12, 2005

 

Bravo to BPeace for saying 'yes' to Athena, to her wisdom, heart, and grace! I'm thrilled to have felt the excitement in the room as she spoke, however vicariously.

Blessings to all of you and to those you are serving.

With gratitude,

Maria Housden

# posted by  Anonymous : Tuesday, December 13, 2005

 

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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.

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