Kindergarten news

The kindergarten continues to go well, although there can be a steady change in children as it is placed in the poorest of areas and many parents are not able to afford rent and have to move on. During the summer the kindergarten had some outdoor toys created and the children are now able to enjoy a seesaw, a balance beam and ‘walking tins’.

Each Saturday creative games are introduced to the teachers, which they can then play with the children during the week.

Julie Zwies, an occupational therapist from the UK has recently joined the team and plans to work with children with cerebral palsy whilst training teachers about their special needs.

Khaliqdad School

Construction of the Khaliqdad school expansion and enclosure wall in Baba Yadgar community on the outskirts of Mazar-e Sharif is proceeding well. Work is on budget and on schedule.

Quilt making Project

A new $10 000 Quilt Project started in Dawlatabad this month. 20 poor women selected from the mullahs of the town will be paid to make 1000 quilts for needy people for the coming winter. This income will help at least 20 families during the cold winter to cover expenses for their basic needs such as food & fuel.

Team news

After 2 breakdowns and a 9 hour minibus ride, our new team members Sarah Turner, Chris and Megan Le Master arrived safely in Mazar e Sharif. Sarah will be doing the accounts, while Chris and Megan will be teaching computing and English.

Also joining the team in Mazar are Dr Matthias Koerner and his wife Daniella who will be helping with the quilts & medical projects, particularly focusing on Nomadic groups (Kuchis) within the area.

Dan Browne (ASET Director) will be returning to the UK in November for a sabbatical/furlough while the rest of the team remain in Afghanistan and carry on the work out there.

From the Trustees

The annual report for 2008-9 is in the process of being prepared. The trustees are delighted with the work of the team in the field, & the fundraising & dinner & auction teams in the UK.

During the year large sums have been raised for the new hospital in Dallan, the well and water tower in Dawlatabad, the quilt making project & many education projects, focusing on girls & women. We are so grateful to our many sponsors, & feel relieved & blessed that the money has been donated for the new school building.

Dan, Thomas & the team continue to give their all to improve the lives of the needy in Afghanistan, in every way possible.
We also thank Veronica and Jean for the wonderful work they do on the accounts, in three different currencies across the world. This becomes ever more challenging as the work and budget increases.

Please continue to support ASET in 2009-10. We will do the work with your support & involvement.

Thank you all so much for your continued support.