Aug. 30, 2009, Sunday

Yesterday, we started the 2nd class of Project Afghan Literacy (PAL). Dr. Rafi, Asad, and I were excited to have these new 12 students; 6 Afghan soldiers and 6 local workers. They will be learning Pashto and simple math for next 6 weeks and graduate. It is a great feeling to know that we have made a change to these people’s lives. I sincerely hope that our graduates continue to educate themselves and better their s and their family’s lives.

During the introduction yesterday, one of the Afghan soldiers complained that he was forced to join the class by his Commander. His excuses were that he is already 30 years old which is too old to learn, and his mind does not work properly because of the Ramadan which is a once a year 30 days fast for Muslim religion.

We acknowledged his complaints and told him that we would talk to his Commander about it. Dr. Rafi and Asad went to his Commander and discussed the situation last night. They came back this morning and told me that the Commander told the soldier that if did not want to go to the class, he would fire him out of the Army. The Commander understood the importance of the education and our class. I was deeply moved by his decision and trust in us. The soldier came to the class this morning with a big smile on his face, telling us that he is ready to study with us. =)

I am sure as you grow older, studying becomes a challenge and not your priority any more, but I believe anyone and everyone should at least know how to read and write their languages. 65-70% of Afghanistan speaks Pashto, and it is the primary language, this is why we chose to teach Pashto. 76% of Afghans are illiterates. This is way too high. I am sure everyone blames on 30 years of war for it, but this is no time to make excuses.

We must put more effort in getting them out of the illiteracy. No, Afghans must take advantage of classes like ours to help themselves to get out of the illiteracy immediately. I have such a strong belief on this. I REALLY WANT TO HELP THEM!

I will be flying back to the State to my family on the 2nd of September for 2 weeks and be back to Afghanistan towards the end of September. Dr. Rafi and Asad will continue teaching while I am away, and we will have graduation accordingly in 6 weeks.

I am very thankful and fortunate to have friends like Dr. Rafi and Asad!!!

Aug. 21, 2009, Friday.

“The First Graduation of the Project Afghan Literacy (PAL)!!!”

The humidity and the temperature calmed down quite a bit last few day. Wind feels good at night now and the sun does not bother too much. I hope this is the sign of the end of the summer. =)

During last two weeks, we had couple important event happened in Afghanistan. By the way, we are having technical challenges with our internet center, so I was not able to post journals for couple weeks.

The first and the most important event that happened in Afghanistan is the Presidential election on the 20th of August which was last Thursday. Lots of insurgent activities rose up to interfere the election, but everything went well so far. They are still counting the votes, and the word is it will take up to a month to finalize the voting count. I just hope the best man for the country wins the presidency.

I have another exciting event that happened yesterday!!! It was the first graduation of our literacy class. We now call it, Project Afghan Literacy (PAL); thanks to my friend, Richard Johnson for coming up with the great name! =)

All 10 students graduated with A’s and B’s, and we were all very excited to hand them their certificates of completion.

Dr. Rafi led the graduation ceremony which successfully lasted for 30 minutes. I prepared a 2 minute speech in Pashto which I prepared for couple weeks. I practiced the pronunciation with Dr. Rafi and Asad. They had fun laughing at me. =) However, when the time came for me to speak, I think I froze a little and made bunch of mistakes. =) Anyways, I heard a little giggles here and there, and I think people enjoyed it.

I, then, did a little presentation on the class: how we got started, class curriculums, and the end result of the class.

We presented everyone with certificate of graduation, and 3 of them received special awards which were the most effort award, the most improved award, and the best student award.

The most effort award went to Mushtaq. Throughout the course, students were given homework daily. If they were told to write the school work 3 times, Mushtaq did twice the amount, according to Dr. Rafi. Also, he continuously stayed up late to study what he learned in class. He was clearly the winner of the most effort award. He was given the certificate and a fancy set of color pens.

The most improved award went to Haji Gul. This man scored 98, which was the top score, on the final exam. Dr. Rafi was so impressed how much he has improved in 6 weeks. There was no argument about the decision. He was also given a certificate and a fancy set of color pens.

The best student award went to Said Arif, a 17 year old young man. Throughout the course, he out performed everyone, except the final test. Dr. Rafi felt he deserves the award and I agreed. He was given a certificate and an executive fountain pen with refills. He was a little shy in front of the camera.

Everyone received certificate of completion and a gift set containing a fancy notebook and a set of upscale mechanical pencil and pen.

We did not have a fancy wrapping paper, so I just wrap them in newspapers which I tried my best to do it nice and neat manner. =)

After all the certificates were presented, I surprised Dr. Rafi and Asad with certificate of appreciation. They have been my engine and the work force from the beginning, and I know I could not have done what I have done so far without their support. I just wanted them my gratitude. They were presented a certificate and the gift of executive fountain pen with extra refills.

We had three special guests who spoke towards the end of the ceremony, congratulation and encouraging the graduates to continue practicing what they learned.

Couple graduates also spoke as well, thanking the class and teachers.

We planned for luncheon after the ceremony, but due to the Ramadan, which is a once a year 30 days fast for all Muslims. They fast during the day for breakfast and lunch for 30 days, but the dinner becomes much wealthier than usual. =)

My friends, Johnson and Niemi came and help me taking videos and taking pictures. Richard Johnson has been nothing but a great supporter for all my projects. Thanks guys!!!