These pictures are from the 5th Annual Graduation Ceremony at Mullah Kareem Nazar School in Andkhoy, Faryab, Afghanistan held on June 15th 2021. Less than ten days later Andkhoy was in the hands of the Taliban even though the capital city of Kabul only fell on August 15th, 2021.

The Taliban have since permitted students to return to school even though they have so far only succeeded in paying the teachers one months salary. Both girls and boys are returning to school from Grade 1 to Grade 12. However, schools need funds for both maintanence and salaries. And children need winter jackets to survive, to study, to play in the cold reaches of Northern Afghanistan.

Today, on this Giving Tuesday 2021, I appeal to you to give generously to allow us to heal and strengthen the bond of education that holds communities together, gives hope in times of distress and is a beacon for a better future - not just for a local community but for the whole world.

Let your voice join the voices of these young girls and women who are braving the odds and returning to school once more. Join us in helping them again have reason to believe that their voice, their opinion, their input, their hopes and dreams matter and count.

What we are raising money for:

2 Barakat Schools in Afghanistan

• Mullah Kareem Nazar School (1st to 12th Grade) which currently has 1,282 students (643 female; 639 male); 11 female and 18 male teachers; a Principal; a Vice-Principal; 5 administrative and logistics staff
• Besh Kapa Surkh School (1st to 9th Grade) which currently has approximately 300 students (male and female); 16 staff (of which 6 are female)

Where we are directing your donations:

1. Maintanence of classrooms which are in need of repair: $2,800
2. Salaries of 8 female teachers who have not received even the one month's salary that was dispensed to the other teachers: 8 teachers x 8 months @ $400/month = $3,200
3. Winter jackets for 1,582 students @ approximately $10/person: $15,820.00
4. Stationary costs for students and staff/office at Mullah Kareem Nazar School: $1,270
5. Stationary costs for approximately 300 students and staff/office in Besh Kapa Surkh School: $1,170