October 16, 2009

Dr. Rafi, arriving with 312 pairs of shoes and 200 pairs of clothes

Dr. Rafi went home for few days and came back today with loads of shoes and clothes for Project Shoes-N-Clothes for Afghan Students. (PSNCFAS) He looked exhausted bringing in shoes and clothes for the whole school.

While I was on leave for a month, Dr. Rafi did further study on the school; he talked to the teachers and students, and gathered everyone’s names and information. The school we decided to help out is Goshta District Girl’s Elementary School with 312 total students.

At first, we decided to help 200 students only regardless of the number of the students in school, because to prepare 200 pairs of shoes and clothes was certainly was a big project for us. However, after a further research, Dr. Rafi figured out a way to help all 312 students.

Dr. Rafi and Asad with shoes and clothes

First, he found out that school girls in Afghanistan prefer to wear little more dressy shoes than running shoes. Second, it cost a few dollars less than the running shoes. A few dollars less per pair meant being able to provide all 312 students with a pair of shoes, not just 200 students. I liked the idea and accepted his proposal. However, we did not have enough budgets to cover 312 pairs of Afghani traditional clothing for these girls; so we only were prepared clothing for 200 students.

When Dr. Rafi arrived, his taxi was completely filled with big boxes; in trunk, on the top, on the back seats. I greeted him with a smile and thanked him for his hard work.

I can’t wait to see big smiles on these girls’ faces…