Afghanistan Focus

[Bengal_Tiger]

Up to $1, 000 wage for female teachers in Paktika

By KHAAMA PRESS - Sat Feb 28 2015, 4:31 pm

Paktika

Officials of the Education Department of southeastern Paktika province say that they are recruiting female instructors for Girls schools who will receive a monthly wage of up to 1, 000 US dollars.
Kochai Zazai, head of the education department of Paktika province told Khaama Press that any female teacher looking to work as an instructor in girls schools Paktika Province will receive a monthly wage of up to 1, 000 US dollars.
Zazai said that they are recruiting female instructors who have studied at least up to 12th grade.
He said for instructors who are graduated from 12th grade the monthly wage is $600, the ones graduated from 14th grade the monthly wage is $800 and the ones with a bachelor’s degree the wage is $1, 000.
According to Zazai this wage is being paid by the International Bank to improve educational system in Paktika province.
Kochai Zazai says that due to the lack of female instructors, there are fewer female students in Paktika province compare to any other province but they are trying to improve this number.

The announcement of such a high wage of $1, 000 for instructors in Afghanistan comes as there were only seven girl students graduated from 12th grade in entire province of Paktika in the educational year 1393.
Paktika is one of the volatile provinces of Afghanistan where the insecurity has also affected the educational system.



Also, an Indian author and health worker who was encouraging female for education and serving them as a health worker was shot dead by insurgents in Sharana, provincial capital of Paktika province.
The tragic incident took place in September 2013 after unknown gunmen took Sushmita Banerjee out of her residence and sprayed bullets on her.
Doctors found 20 bullet holes on the body of the community servant who had recently moved to live in Paktika Province together with her Afghan husband.
She was married to an Afghan who was also present at his residence by the time of the attack. but officials said that gunmen after breaking into the house of the community servant tied her husband, took her out and cruelly killed her.

http://www.khaama.com/up-to-1-000-wage-for-female-teachers-in-paktika-29120

*Banerjee was an Indian Bengali who became Muslim and called herself Sayeda Kamala and was murdered by the Taliban.

I suspect that there could have been Pakistani involvement in her murder.

Nevertheless Afghans are moving forward and working hard for womens' education.

[Bengal_Tiger]

Afghan exports will now have ISO certification to ensure quality and safety



Laboratory technicians at the Afghanistan National Standards Authority test products to ensure they meet international standards.

BY ZARIZA CORRESPONDENT PUBLISHED 2015-02-28

Barely a few months after Afghanistan became a full member of the International Standards Organization (ISO), world's largest developer of voluntary international standards, work is in progress to certify Afghan exports that meet international standards.

According to a statement issued by United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the work is underway to set up a certification unit to ensure quality exports and imports.

The Afghanistan National Standards Authority (ANSA), with support from USAID’s Afghanistan Trade and Revenue (ATAR) project, has put together the documentation for ISO membership, the statement says.

According to the ISO website, International Standards give “world-class specifications for products, services and systems, to ensure quality, safety and efficiency”. They are also instrumental in facilitating international trade.

Once the certification process is complete, the quality of products and services will be checked and low-quality products will be kept out of the market.

Once the certification process is complete, the quality of products and services will be checked and low-quality products will be kept out of the market

Dr Mujiburrahman Khateer, ANSA’s Technical Deputy Director General, believes certification is important because “it will open up key target markets such as the European Union”.

“One of the biggest challenges for Afghan exports is a lack of certification, because there is no assurance of their quality and safety,” says Dr. Khateer.

ISO has published more than 19 500 International Standards covering almost every industry, from technology, to food safety, to agriculture and healthcare.

- See more at: http://www.afghanzariza.com/2015/02/....ANnrTnky.dpuf

[Bengal_Tiger]

Taliban give green signal to road reconstruction projects in Logar province




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BY AZIZ AHMAD TASSAL PUBLISHED 2015-03-03

In many provinces across Afghanistan, roads are lying in dilapidated condition. The landmine explosions carried out by armed opposition groups have damaged these roads, making vehicular movement difficult.

Due to the fear instilled by armed insurgents, the local people have never asked concerned government agencies to repair these roads.

Although many roads have been repaired in various provinces over the past 13 years, there are still hundreds of villages and towns where roads lie in tatters, because of landmines.

However, according to fresh reports, Taliban operatives in eastern Logar province have asked the local people to approach concerned government authorities to get the roads repaired in Charkh district of the province.

It is for the first time Taliban insurgents have allowed people in Logar province to ask government’s help in fixing roads, marking an important departure from past. The change of heart has come after a group of local tribal elders intervened.

According to local government authorities in Logar, following the intervention of tribal leaders and community representatives, Taliban insurgents allowed them to ask government to fix roads in the villages of Charkh and Kharwar districts.

Abdul Wali Raisy, Director of the Department of Public Welfare in Logar, said they have started work on roads in Charkh and Kharwar districts with the help and assistance of local tribal elders.

Following the intervention of tribal leaders and community representatives, Taliban insurgents allowed them to ask government to fix roads in the villages of Charkh and Kharwar districts

“Nearly 80 km roads are being constructed in Charkh district by our department with the support of local people,” said Mr. Raisy. “The local elders have assured us that the Taliban will not cause any obstruction in the work,” he adds.

It has given hope to people in Logar that peace might prevail in the province. Ghulam Nabi, a resident of Charkh district, says it is wise decision taken by the Taliban. “Most of them are also residents here so they will also benefit from the construction and repair of roads,” says Mr. Nabi.

People in these twin districts say they had repeatedly asked the local government authorities to undertake this road construction project. “Call it official callousness or fear of insurgents, they never took our demands seriously,” says Shir Mohammad, a local resident. “We are happy that the project has finally started and Taliban has assured that they will not cause any impediments in the work.”

Lack of drinking water and shortage of electricity are also big worries for people in these two districts and they hope the problems will be solved now. “Over the past three years, we have been asking the government to provide us electricity and drinking water, but they used to offer lame excuses,” says Abdul Bari, a local resident. “We are hopeful that the problems will be solved now.”

The local Taliban operatives, speaking to Afghan Zariza, said they are not against development and reconstruction work. The foreign mercenaries, they claim, are opposed to development works

Taliban’s shadow-mayor in Charkh district, going by the name Alqamar, told Afghan Zariza said this project can be conducted only in winter. “In summer, we are joined by many foreign insurgents, including those from Pakistan, and they do not allow any work undertaken by the government,” he said.

He said they have been repeatedly asking the local government authorities to undertake welfare and development activities during winter season, and this year the work started.

Charkh is supposed to be the stronghold of Taliban in Logar province. Since 2011, when they managed to recapture it, they have carrying out attacks on many government installations in the district.

Local residents, however, blame foreign insurgents for the attacks. Shafiqullah, a local resident, says a large contingent of Pakistani, Arab, Turk and Tajik insurgents are present in the district during summer and spring seasons.

“I am pleased with the decision of Taliban to allow government to recarpet roads,” says Shafiqullah. He says it has provided work to many people who cannot travel for work in winter season. “We are happy with the implementation of this project.”

- See more at: http://www.afghanzariza.com/2015/03/....dEoawMtX.dpuf

[Bengal_Tiger]

Afghans to Take Over Nationwide Air Traffic Control Authorities

Sunday, 01 March 2015 20:45
Last Updated on Monday, 02 March 2015 11:45
Written by Geeti Mohseni




The Afghan Civil Aviation Authority on Sunday announced that all air traffic control in Afghanistan would now be entirely overseen by Afghan authorities, a departure from the shared responsibility framework that has existed for the past decade with NATO.

According to the Civil Aviation Authority, 50 percent of all air traffic control technical equipment has been handed over to the Afghan government. Annually, the country's airspace operations are expected to cost the government 1.3 million USD to maintain.

"Soon, the last section, which is the control area and Hamid Karzai International Airport, will be completely handed over to the government of Afghanistan," said Mahmood Shah Habibi, the Deputy Head of Operations for the Civil Aviation Authority. "With this, the process of airspace control will be completely handed over to the government of Afghanistan."

Meanwhile, airlines have welcomed the move. "The Civil Aviation Authority's taking control of the control tower and frequency is very important for Afghan companies," Ariana Airlines Chairman Naseer Ahmad Hakimi said. "A while back, even where planes park, when they can fly, what altitude they can take was all decided by the foreigners. Now, a major part of it is controlled by Afghans, and we hope that Afghans will take over the rest of the sections soon as well.

http://www.tolonews.com/en/business/18422-afghans-to-take-over-nationwide-air-traffic-control-authorities

[Bengal_Tiger]

Talks underway with Chinese officials on revival of Wakhan corridor: President Ghani



President Ashraf Ghani during the meeting with tribal elders from Badakhshan province on Monday evening

BY ZARIZA CORRESPONDENT PUBLISHED 2015-03-03 | 01:00:00 85 Print | Email

President Ashraf Ghani met a delegation of tribal elders from northeastern Badakhshan province on Monday evening, a statement issue by presidential palace said.

The members of delegation discussed the issues of security, unemployment, revival of Silk Road, construction of Kokcha hydro-power reservoir, illegal extraction of mines by mafia groups, and representation for Badakhshan in the national unity government, the statement added.

During the meeting, President Ghani said the talks are underway with the Chinese government officials on revival of Wakhan corridor.

He said the government is working to link Central Asia with China through railroad that connects Wakhan with eastern Herat province.

Underling the importance of water management, President Ghani said that a committee has been assigned to assess Kokcha hydro-power reservoir.

On Badakhshan’s azure mines, President Ghani said the government for the first time has been able to collect taxes from mine extractors.

On the issue of security in Badakhshan, the President Ghani said China and Tajikistan have pledged to cooperate with Afghanistan in protecting borders of Badakhshan province.

President Ghani, according to the statement, said all measures would be taken to ensure the educated and skilled people from Badkhshan are considered for work in various government offices.

- See more at: http://www.afghanzariza.com/2015/03/....0GFpcqKi.dpuf




Badkhshan's mining industry is making greater profits.






Afghan precious stones.

[Bengal_Tiger]

Building trust between police and public through community outreach programs



As part of the Afghan National Police (ANP) community outreach program, the government has started sports competitions in at least 15 provinces across Afghanistan

BY SAYER ZALAND PUBLISHED 2015-03-04 | 10:00:00 202 Print | Email


To develop trust and understanding between Afghan National Police (ANP) and the communities in which they serve, Ministry of Interior Affairs (MoIA) has started sports tournaments and community outreach programs in 15 provinces across the country

To facilitate better relations and greater cooperation between police and public, Afghan government has come up with many innovative initiatives. Besides enabling better police-public contact, these initiatives also seek to address the issue of rising crimes in society.

The Ministry of Interior Affairs (MoIA) recently launched “Radio Police” program to enable smooth communication between police and public in Kabul and adjoining areas.

Speaking at the launch ceremony, acting Minister for Interior Affairs, Ayoub Salangi said the main purpose of this program is to strengthen relations between police and public”. “The idea is to bring them closer so that they can together help in averting the incidents of violence and crime,” he said.

Radio Police program comes after MoIA’s 119 emergency helpline, which is already operational in six provinces across the country and has proved instrumental in thwarting small and big crimes. The 119 helpline was first started in 2009 in Kabul for public to receive and give information about emergency security issues.

The 119 helpline was designed to facilitate better ties between police and public and break the iron curtain between them. The public awareness about this helpline, however, was not helping the cause. In October 2014, Ariana TV and Awaz Production took it upon themselves to raise awareness about this program through as show called ‘Show Reaction 119’.

“The 119 helpline has proved immensely helpful in restoring our confidence and faith in security institutions, especially in the cases of emergency situations,” says Baseer Khan, a resident of Kabul. “Earlier, very few people knew about this program, but now a large percentage of people are aware of it and understand its importance.”

Jalaluddin, a resident of Kabul, says it has built a bridge between police and public and helped in thwarting many sinister plots of terrorists and criminals. “It is our duty as responsible citizens to cooperate with police in combating crime and terrorism,” he says.

Radio Police program comes after MoIA’s 119 emergency helpline, which is already operational in six provinces across the country and has proved instrumental in thwarting small and big crimes

As part of the Afghan National Police Community Outreach Program, the Afghan government has also started sports competitions in at least 15 provinces to pave ground for closer and stronger ties between police and community.

The primary goal is to develop trust and understanding between police and people in reporting criminal activities to their respective ANP headquarters and the 119 Emergency Services Call Center. Gen. Hikmat Shahi, a senior official in the Ministry of Interior Affairs, says the program has had a positive impact so far. The outreach program is conducted under the aegis of Sport Youth Development Organization (SYDP), which is funded by the U.S. Embassy in Kabul.

The 15 provinces where this outreach program is underway include Kabul, Kandahar, Helmand, Paktiya, Wardak, Khost, Nangarhar, Laghman, Logar, Panjshir, Kunduz, Faryab, Ghazni, Herat, and Baghlan. The outreach program is being conducted in coordination with the Ministry of Interior Affairs and consists of sports tournaments and interactive sessions between Afghan police and members of the local community where they serve.

“Afghan police has managed to foil many terror plots since this program has come into force, as it has allowed people to report directly to ANP headquarters through helpline number,” says Mr. Shahi.

Zia Dashti, head of SYDP, says the chief aim of this program is to develop trust and understanding between Afghan Police and the communities in which they serve. “We have seen remarkable results over the past two years and this year we have expanded it further,” says Mr. Dashti. “It includes sports training and community outreach events, which can help people and police develop strong bond.”

The primary goal is to develop trust and understanding between police and people in reporting criminal activities to their respective ANP headquarters and the 119 Emergency Services Call Center

Sediq Sediqi, spokesperson in the Ministry of Interior affairs, says these programs are very effective in forging strong people-police ties. “We want our policemen to be physically sound, and we want cooperation from people in making this program a success across the country,” says Mr. Sediqi. “We are planning to extend it to other provinces as well.”

Farkhunda Arezo, who participated in a volleyball tournament organized by SYDP recently, says she is happy to have participated in it. “These sports competitions are always fun-filled and it also enables people and police develop trust and understanding,” she says.

In the final match of the tournament between Red Cross and Kabul Municipality, former emerged as the champion.

The officials in the Ministry of Interior Affairs say they plan to organize more sports tournaments in future across the country and involve more youth.

“We are seeing the results, like one female participant from western Kabul called police a few days ago and informed about a case of theft in her neighborhood,” says Mr. Alimi. “So, it is encouraging for them as well.”


- See more at: http://www.afghanzariza.com/2015/03/....jbofPI0W.dpuf

[HalloIsBack]

Afghan female pilot selected for International Women of Courage Award 2015
By ZABIHULLAH MOOSAKHAIL - Thu Mar 05 2015, 12:29 pm
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Nilofar-Rahmani2nd Lieutenant Nilofar Rahmani, 21, the 1st Afghan female pilot in the history of Afghanistan, has been selected to receive the International Women of Courage Award 2015.
2nd Lieutenant Nilofar Rahmani was trained by American Air Force instructors and received his certificate after graduating from Shindand Air Base in 2013.
Rahmani said that she wanted to fly with his brothers in the air force of Afghanistan, serve the country and be an example for other Afghan females to follow her.
The award is scheduled to be presented to Nilofar Rahmany by the American 1st lady, Michelle Obama. Eight other females from around the world are also selected for this award who have shown an exceptional courage as gender equality.
The other female who are selected for this award are
Beatrice Epaye from CAR
Majid Ghourbaji from Syria
Nadia Sharmin from Bangladesh
Rosa Julieta Montano Salvatierra from Bolivia
May Sabe Phyu from Burma
Marie Claire Tchecola from Guinea,
Sayaka Osakabe from Japan
Arbana Xharra from Kosovo
The event is organized every year and from 2007 up to now 85 women from 50 countries have received the International Women of Courage Award.

http://www.khaama.com/afghan-female-pilot-selected-for-international-women-of-courage-award-2015-29141

[Bengal_Tiger]

Civil servants in Samangan get training in financial management with German support

BY ZARIZA CORRESPONDENT PUBLISHED 2015-03-11 |



On Wednesday, 24 civil servants of Mostofiat (provincial revenue office) department in northern Samangan province successfully completed their training in law, procurement, taxation and accounting, a statement issued by German Cooperation with Afghanistan said.

During the 18-day training, the officials of Mostofiat’s provincial and district offices learnt how to manage finances efficiently at their workplaces, the statement said.

The training was organized by Mostofiat department in Samangan with technical and financial assistance from the German government, totaling more than 628,000 Afs.

“Trained by two highly qualified trainers, the participants discussed a wide range of topics including the effective techniques of dealing with accounting system challenges, methods of increasing the revenues, and ways of improving the quality of services to the citizens,” read the statement.

Saddiq Azizi, spokesperson in provincial governor’s office, while giving away the certificates to participants said such initiatives are important to bring reforms.

“We do believe that such measures play a significant role in bringing transparency to the departments and implementing administrative reforms,” said Mr. Azizi.

The training was organized by Mostofiat department in Samangan with technical and financial assistance from the German government, totaling more than 628,000 Afs

Nawidah Mutmain, an officer in Mostafait department, said this training provided them with a unique opportunity to address their daily problems.

“We talked in working groups and shared ideas in practical lessons which led to mutual learning. I am happy to return to my working place with this knowledge,” she said.

The statement said the department of Mostafiat in Samangan was responsible for conducting the training, selecting the trainers, inviting the participants and providing the training hall.

The proposal for this project was prepared by Mostafiat department and approved by the Public Relation Working Group (PRWG).

The training was supported by the Regional Capacity Development project (RCD) in Samangan, which is financed by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).

As part of Germany’s cooperation with Afghanistan, the RCD, which is financed by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), is implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, said the statement.

“With its broad range of activities, the RCD aims at increasing Afghan ownership of the development process, strengthening state institutions and promoting transparency and inclusiveness,” the statement said.


- See more at: http://www.afghanzariza.com/2015/03/....9QHZKz9s.dpuf

[Bengal_Tiger]

President Ghani to visit Saudi Arabia today

By ZABIHULLAH MOOSAKHAIL - Sat Mar 14 2015, 2:00 pm



GhaniPresident Mohammad Ashraf Ghani is scheduled to be leaving to Saudi Arabi today.

Ajmal Abedi, spokesman for the president has confirmed to Khaama Press the scheduled visit of the President.

This is the third visit of President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani to Saudi Arabia after the formation of the National Unity Government in September last year.
One of the two previous visits he made to Saudi Arabia was to attend Hajj and the second one was made to offer condolences to Saudi nation for the death of King Abdullah.
The purpose of today’s visit of President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani is not announced yet but it expected that he will discuss strengthening bilateral relationship with Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the new king of Saudi Arabia following the death of King Abdullah.
Afghanistan had brotherly relationship with Saudi Arabi during the government of King Abdullah and Afghan government want to maintain the brotherly relationship with Saudi Arabia.

http://www.khaama.com/46844-29201

[Bengal_Tiger]

Afghan teacher among 10 selected for Global Teacher Prize

By ZABIHULLAH MOOSAKHAIL - Sat Mar 14 2015, 3:27 pm



A Dubai-based welfare organization, Varkey Foundation that is training and funding teachers, has selected Azizullah Royesh, an Afghan teacher among 10 other teachers for the Global Teacher Prize which is one million American dollars, which is indeed aimed at convincing teachers and remarking their services.
Varkey Foundation is scheduled to give the award to one of the lucky winner out of the top-10 selected from over 5, 000 people.
Varkey foundation states that for this year’s prize they received more than 5, 000 application and nomination forms from 120 different countries and the committee that is making decision based on criteria also selected Azizullah Royesh an Afghan among 10 other teachers for the prize.
Varkey Foundation states that the committee making decision about the winner is formed from very professional individuals and in their decision they mainly account innovative teaching practices, preparing students to be “global citizens” and creating dialogue about the value of teaching.
Students who have studied from Azizullah Royesh say they have learned the patient and standing firm for their education in every stage of life.
Afghan



Azizullah Royesh, during the Taliban regime immigrated to Pakistan and struggle for the education of Afghan children in refugee camps. But after the fall of Taliban regime in 2001 he came to Kabul and registered his Marifat School with the government. Unto now over 4, 000 students have been graduated from his school with around 44 % of them being girls.
The Global Teacher Prize is scheduled to be awarded to the during this month in Dubai.

http://www.khaama.com/46853-3000

[Bengal_Tiger]

Female entrepreneurs in Badakhshan receive training in business planning

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BY ZARIZA CORRESPONDENT PUBLISHED 2015-03-14 | 01:00:00 51 Print |




On Saturday, 25 female entrepreneurs concluded a four-day workshop on business management and planning in Faizabad, the capital city of northern Badakhshan province.

The training was conducted by the Department of Women’s Affairs (DoWA) in Badakhshan and financed by the Regional Capacity Development project (RCD) that is implemented by Afghan-German Development Cooperation.

It was the first big event held in the newly opened women’s training center in the vicinity of women’s market in Faizabad, with an objective to promote gender equality.

The participants were trained in methodological business planning, which is crucial for running any business. The training aimed at strengthening the planning and marketing capacities of women entrepreneurs who do business of jewellery, pottery, clothing, embroidery and food.

According to a statement issued by Afghan-German Development Cooperation, the women’s market, which consists of ten spacious shops, gives “local businesswomen from different districts of Badakhshan the opportunity to market their goods and services in Faizabad”.

Speaking during the event, Zofonoon Hasam Natiq, Head of DoWA, and Adina Mohammad Zibakyan from provincial governor's office stressed that business opportunities are crucial to reach equal rights and opportunities for women.

“Development projects should focus even more on women empowerment which would benefit whole society and be an impetus for further social and economic development,” Ms. Natiq said.

The training commenced the day after the International Women's Day was celebrated in Faizabad.

Hundreds of guests from all over the province participated and many used the opportunity to buy goods from the women’s market.

The training aimed at strengthening the planning and marketing capacities of women entrepreneurs who do business of jewellery, pottery, clothing, embroidery and food

The workshop was managed by DoWA Badakhshan and supported by the Regional Capacity Development project (RCD) in Badakhshan, which is financed by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).

As part of Germany’s cooperation with Afghanistan, the RCD, which is financed by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), is implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH.

In six provinces of northern Afghanistan, the statement said, RCD supports its partners’ development priorities in the provinces and districts, while at the same time providing training and coaching programmes for civil servants.

“With its broad range of activities, the RCD aims at increasing Afghan ownership of the development process, strengthening state institutions and promoting transparency and inclusiveness,” the statement said.

- See more at: http://www.afghanzariza.com/2015/03/....qb4wVt34.dpuf

[Bengal_Tiger]

Russian investors keen to invest in transportation and housing sectors in Afghanistan



President Ashraf Ghani during his meeting with Zamir Kabulov, Russia’s special envoy to Afghanistan and Pakistan, on Wednesday.

BY ZARIZA CORRESPONDENT PUBLISHED 2015-03-12

Zamir Kabulov, Russia’s special envoy to Afghanistan and Pakistan, called on President Ashraf Ghani in Kabul on Wednesday.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed bilateral ties and regional issues of mutual interest, said a statement issued by President Ghani’s office.

President Ghani reaffirmed his government’s commitment to expand ties with countries in the region and the world.

Afghanistan’s foreign policy, he stressed, is based upon “mutual respect and cooperation”.

Emphasizing importance of enhancing cooperation with the neighboring countries, President Ghani said Afghanistan seeks to expand ties with countries in the region on the “principles of good neighborly relations”.

Afghanistan’s foreign policy, President Ghani stressed, is based upon “mutual respect and cooperation”

Seeking Russia’s support and cooperation in fight against terrorism, President Ghani said terrorism is posing new challenges for countries in the region and can be defeated only through joint efforts at regional and global level.

Mr. Kabulov reaffirmed his country’s continued cooperation with Afghanistan in different sectors, the statement said.

He said the Russian investors are eager to invest in transportation and housing sectors in Afghanistan, and asked the Afghan government to facilitate investment of Russian investors in Afghanistan.

Responding to the offer, President Ghani said Afghanistan is fully prepared to welcome foreign investment, particularly from Russia, and assured them investment-friendly environment.

- See more at: http://www.afghanzariza.com/2015/03/....emtHNZcM.dpuf

[Bengal_Tiger]

Christiano Ronaldo donates 100,000 euros for ICRC’s physical rehab program in Afghanistan



BY ZARIZA CORRESPONDENT PUBLISHED 2015-03-12


On Tuesday, Cristiano Ronaldo broke Raúl González's all-time goal record in UEFA club competition with his 77th and 78th strikes during Real Madrid CF match against FC Schalke 04.

The Portuguese star and the winner of 2015 FIFA Ballon d'Or celebrated the record in a unique way.

Ronaldo and his Real Madrid teammate Toni Kroos donated 100,000 euros for the physical rehabilitation programme of International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Afghanistan.

This contribution will go towards ICRC’s physical rehabilitation programme, providing artificial limbs, physiotherapy and vocational training for landmine victims and other people with disabilities in Afghanistan, said a statement issued by ICRC.

About one third of patients assisted through the physical rehabilitation programme are children, according to ICRC.

ICRC, with the help of Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), has set out to tap into the power of football to enrich and change lives in Afghanistan

ICRC, with the help of Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), has set out to tap into the power of football to enrich and change lives in Afghanistan.

“The partnership between UEFA and ICRC has been going on for 15 years,” says Yves Daccord, Director-General of ICRC. “People love football. It is a common link in this polarized world that goes beyond cultures and polarizations.”

Mr. Daccord believes it is important to be innovative and willing to take risks, especially in a country like Afghanistan.

“The money received from UEFA allows us to not only give physical support, which is our job, but we also want to go a step further and take a lot of risk by integrating people within a social dimension,” says Mr. Daccord.

“If you look at seven ICRC centers in Afghanistan, 90-95 percent people working in those centers are people who are ex-patients, which is fantastic,” he adds.

- See more at: http://www.afghanzariza.com/2015/03/....yK5MdrPU.dpuf

[Bengal_Tiger]

A member of Afghanistan's security forces with a young boy.

[Bengal_Tiger]

President Ghani goes to Saudi and also performs Umrah.