Bpeace in Afghanistan in July

This is Kate typing at a kiosk at Frankfurt Airport. Athena is in Amerstam and Wendy in Delhi.

We are all tired but blown away by how much was accomplished this short trip. The team's takeaways will be thoughtfully posted in the coming days along with some new photos.

The work did not stop even during out last half day.

Athena spent the morning with our AWBF trainees working with them as they practiced the learnings of our three days of training. She was so proud of their performance. This training partnership is an important one for our organizations and for Afghanistan. Athena and I were honored to be there to launch the program on behalf of all the Bpeace members who worked so hard on it. CIPE was terrific to work with and we look forward to the next round.

Wendy visited a local market and Bahknazera for one last time before she departed to the airport at 9am. Wendy is transforming both of their businesses

I met with Najib, a potential quality control candidate for Wendy, Mahbooba, Habiba and Nargis . . .all before 12. Ran down to the local sporting goods store to see what equipment is available in the local market for Nargis and her gym. Lots of weights but no kettlebells (her mentor Jeff loves them) though rumor has these special weights are available cross town. Laila will investigate in the coming weeks.

More to report soon and some final words, but for now to paraphrase Margaret Mead . . .never doubt what a small group of committed citizens can accomplish.

The new Kabul.

Morning spent in market with the whole Bpeace team, Bakhnazera and her husband Khan Aqa . . .a few hours in Hussein's (also known as St. John) shop led to an afternoon of retail real estate analysis . . .WOW . . .Kabul rents are high . . .but this city was built for 600,000 and now is home to over 2 million.

The visit was a lesson in urban growth. New shops are pushing out the old style markets and new high rise buildings (Kabul 5 story version) are emerging in the city skyline. Bpeacers continue to be amazed every time we visit at the rate of growth . . . Kabul has no idea what is ahead of them!

We just hope that some of the old charm is not lost while Kate hopes the bakeries don’t close . . .she got up early this morning to venture out by herself to buy bread and was proud to return with room service delivery of hot bread to Athena and Wendy. The bread came straight off the heat and was incredible. But we digress.

Rents are very high with the best shops going far out of reach for our associates. We did find a possible location on Flower Street which is beginning to be redeveloped into new shops . . . possibilities to be explored in the coming months.

Our only security scare this visit turned out to be nothing but good news but for a while got our heart rate moving. We received a call from Najib while in market that there were demonstrations occurring in the city center. In the past these demonstrations have often turned violent. Kate and Najib spent some time by phone strategizing with Kate reading the Kabul map (Kate hates maps) to figure out just where the team was relative to the demonstrations. With map information in hand and Najib out in the city collecting the latest information, we decided to stay put and wait it out (and keep shopping which is why Athena and Kate bought so much). The GREAT news is that the demonstration (employees from the Ministry of Defense seeking pay) was peaceful, just like any city in the world with the city police handling the crowds and traffic. Bad news was the Athena missed her presentation with UNICEF which was to be one of her trip’s highlight. Another time.

Athena had a great meeting with Neelab who is expecting her first child in October. She is determined to continue her research and consulting business, Afghans for Afghans, even after she has her baby. She said with a warm smile "This is a Bpeace baby." Neelab expressed gratitude for the support she feels from her mentor, Wendy Miller, who she says is always there for her. She is also looking forward to connecting with her new co-mentor Barbara Bylenga. We can't wait to meet her new baby when we return in November.

Our last evening was spent with Athena and Kate at The Grill, a wonderful Lebanese restaurant, again under the stars. Mark McCord from CIPE was our host. We really love working with this organization. Wendy was off at the Serena meeting with another potential business partner . . .zoom zoom zoom.

Tomorrow we leave after a morning of associate meetings (Kate) and one last session with the AWBF trainees (Athena) . . .Wendy off to India first thing. Stay tuned for our follow-up blog and some last pictures. We will post again in a few days. For such a short trip, we feel so filled. Yes, there are challenges here. But there is also hope, determination, and spirit. And this is what will bring us back.

Carrying the "Bpeace baby," Neelab.

Kamela, at right, receiving her gradation certificate.

Gulsom receiving her certificate.

Graduation Day at the Afghan Women's Business Federation: Athena and Kate completed their third day of training with the future AWBF trainers leading the “How to Write a Business Plan” module for eager students.

“During the lunch break one of my favorite students told me that she was going to use our lessons of the morning immediately for her own business. She of course had no idea how much that meant to me”, said Kate. The session was completely interactive and a major success with the students. (The army back in the USA on this module included Karine, Emily and Farah again, as well as Bpeacer and volunteer Yasmin Ibrahim, now based in London.)

The day ended with a graduation ceremony in which each participant was presented with a completion certificate. Kate and Athena were surprised and incredibly moved when Suraya of AWBF presented them with carpets as a gift of appreciation. Each beautiful silk rug was made by an Afghan woman and selected by Salwa of CIPE who has made her way into our heart. This smart and lovely woman bodes well for the future of Afghan women. She will be leading the follow-up efforts with this team of trainers to ensure our training sticks.

Quick change of clothes at Venus System and Kate changed training topics from building your business to building your body with a lot of help from from Nargis’s mentors in the US, Jeff and Julie Castaldo. Today Nargis, her trainer and 4 clients were ready for round two of Venus System Training. Once again in the heat of Kabul the group was led through the exercises, but this time by Nargis with Kate assisting. There are definitely possibilities here. Nargis’s clients so want to be directed to a program which creates real change. Venus System can be the answer if Nargis and her trainer can become their role models.

Rosemary Stasek had her semi-annual dinner with Bpeace members. This time Athena and Kate were able to enjoy the surroundings at L’Atmosphere, a restaurant Kate has always wanted to try but needs warm weather to appreciate. What a lovely spot under the full moon and among the courtyard trees. You would think you were in old Kabul if not for all the ex-pats in tank tops. A new company named Gulestan was selling essential oils and perfumes at a small table. Athena and Kate had some fun shopping after dinner and received a taste of the ex-pat life. As lovely as the surroundings were, it was strange to be in such a place out of Kabul reality.

Wendy continued her one-on-one meetings with Bpeace associates to assess whose products have potential for the US market and for her new business. She's making deals all over town. Win wins for everyone.

Salwa, Kate, Suraya and Athena.

Suraya, Athena, Kamela and Qudsia.

"They called it a Success Map....yup, we can do that."

Nargis and Kate reviewing the new Venus System, developed by Nargis' mentors back in the US--Jeff and Julie Castaldo.

Kate and Nargis leading the class.

Nargis finds out how tough it really is.

Wendy with Afifa who will be embroidering some jeans jackets for the US market.

Today was the first day of the train-the-trainer sessions with the Afghan Women’s Business Federation (AWBF). And what a day it was! Kate and Athena were thrilled by the organization and setup that greeted them at the AWBF Headquarters.

The event was handled by Salwa (with Athena in the photo at right), the CIPE program director who has been on top of every single detail since we arrived. She is a superstar! Salwa’s team put together a briefcase filled with the materials we provided, including workbooks, the DVDs, and a calculator and had added pens, a notebook, and another calculator (so they’ll be really ready to do the financial training we have planned for tomorrow!). It was a handsome package. To top it off we added a colorful set of flip chart pens for each trainee, donated by The Grove, a San Francisco-based company. The training room was well-equipped with microphones, headsets, and a booth for simultaneous translation. The whole scene was very high-tech including a laptop and projector to show a DVD.

Once again Wendy was zooming around town. . .she spent the morning with Bakhnazera. She is incredibly excited by her progress and the possibilities . . .zoom, zoom, zoom.

Kate and Athena’s day was devoted to the Success Map and the trainees took it on with enthusiasm. We began with each person introducing themselves and what they love about being trainers. As the introductions moved around the table Kate and Athena were both impressed by the sophistication and experience of the group and moved by their motivation to train. Each of them expressed, in their own unique way, their desire to contribute to the future of Afghanistan’s economic development. They are especially motivated to improve the status of women. Their dedication renewed our hope for a prosperous and peaceful Afghanistan. Throughout the day there was lots of lively discussion which made the time go quickly.

More Wendy zooming . . .this time onto Bpeace associate Sara Rahmini . . .more progress and possibilities. Did we say that Wendy is excited?

Back at the training center Kate and Athena were proud to see two of our Bpeace associates shine during the training – Kamela and Latifa. We were also joined by Suraya Parlika, who is the Chairperson of the AWBF and the newly elected Chief Executive Officer, Irina Amina Baloch.

During lunch Mark McCord of CIPE gave us a tour of the CIPE compound and gardens where we felt the echoes of the elegance of an Afghanistan of the past. After the class he took us on a ride to visit a beautiful new public garden that was recently opened. It was wonderful to see the care and planning of a space for the citizens of Kabul to gather and relax.

Wendy zoomed onto Nasima . . .the whole shop has been remerchandised since her last visit. Wendy is . . .can you guess? Well she is excited.

We’re out for dinner tonight with a woman who has her pulse on all the trends of Kabul so we plan to learn all we can to help our associates keep their finger on the pulse on this ever-changing city. Wendy and Aysha hit it off . . .Wendy is very excited.

See you tomorrow for more training and even more excitement.

First Full Day Was Typical Bpeace Day

Action packed
On the move
Emotion filled
Climated stroked (heat)
Dead tired
Technology problems
Its 11:00 PM
Need to study for our training tomorrow
And writing this blog
Wishing for bed.

Enjoy the pictures we were able to download. More on the way tomorrow from Venus Fitness.

Our day: While Wendy was working her way around town with Khan Agra, Bahknazera's husband (more on that later), Athena and Kate met with the Bpeace associates involved in the RKAT cooperative retail store . . .We sat in a rose garden (will post pictures for those of you disbelievers) and worked with 12 associates on the development of plans for their retail store. Lots of work ahead for them (and the store's mentors Pam Massenburg and Kate Buggeln). They have selected a steering committee for their co-operative and we left them with agendas for 3 work sessions over the weeks ahead.

Wendy still off wandering town . . .first stop Cotton Factory producing Afghanistan made beautiful fabric . . .she bought loads . . .and loads . . ."I am so excited. To have access to this lovely fabric will expand the abilities of our associates significantly."

Kate left Athena with the RKAT associates for her training session with Nargis and the trainers at Venus Fitness. In 100 degree heat, Kate turned over "The Venus System," a complete fitness program designed by Jeff and Julie Castaldo, Nargis's mentors. The system will revolutionize Venus Fitness. It combines 27 exercises in a three level program utilizing tubes and balls with cardio and nutrition program. Said an exhausted Kate:"I ended up training not only Nargis and her trainers, but 4 of her clients. The women all soaked up the information and told me I would not recognize them when I revisited in November. It was a hot, but way cool, experience." Kate returns to Tuesday for another round of training.

Wendy still off wandering town . . .now in the markets with Khan Agra finding awesome resources for chapans which she will turn into amazing jackets for sale in the U.S.

Wendy and Athena joined the guests at Habiba's Day Care Center opening. And what an event! The pictures tell the story. Athena participating in the ribbon cutting (her first) which was covered by Ariana TV . . .many friends, family, children and their parents attended the opening of this clean, inviting facility which boasts 2 new teachers, a visiting psychologist and a visiting art instructor.

Kate and Athena ended the evening over dinner with Mark McCord of CIPE at the Serena Hotel. Tomorrow is our grand big first day of training with the Afghan Womens Business Federation and the reason Kate and Athena are here . . .what a nice evening with a man who has worked in 45 countries. What a riveting story teller! A great partnership has been started between our two organizations.

Wendy ended her evening where? . . .where else . . .out wandering the town . . .and doing business deals . . .

We are all in and its time for bed.

Sara, one of our associates, contemplating the issues of opening a co-op store.
Little boys at Habiba's day care playing doctor--some things are the same the world over.
Habiba, center, and her two teachers.
Three girls singing their heart out at the grand opening.
Indoors at the daycare.
One of Habiba's three daughters (she also has three sons).
Pretty in pink and all dressed up for the party.

Athena and Kate arrived in Kabul today. Wendy arrived yesterday.

And then there were three.

It is a measure of our organization that we came despite several days of Kabul bomb attacks. Yeh, we hesitated. Yeh, we asked everyone we knew (Toni's magic rolodex). But the work awaits us here. It is making an impact and it shouldn't wait. So we came. Bravo to the hard work of every Afghan team member that Bpeace is needed here.

And you know what? Kam Air had children on the flight. Real Afghan children with backbacks coming back from holiday. Headed home to Kabul. Like anywhere else in the world. Then, feet on the ground, anxieties are gone among the chatter of welcomes and a quick gasp at the heat. And an hour later, over a security briefing with Najib and our new guide Khalid, we are better prepared than any mission team before to deal with adversity . . .so the mission begins . . .more postings and PICTURES ahead we promise . . . maybe even one of the cafe scene here at the happening Kabul City Center.

oh and as for kharma . . .we are carrying a wide variety of talismans given by friends and family . . .you are with us always.

Three heat and sun-loving Bpeacers are heading to Kabul this July. If we told you we liked dust too, would you believe it? Arrival day forecast is Sunny 98°/69°. Variety in weather doesn't come often in summer where a relentless sun beats down on a still vibrant and booming city.

New weather postings and other items of more important interest will be posted on this blog beginning July 6th. Bookmark us and come back.

What are we up to :

1. Athena and Kate will be training the future business trainers of Afghanistan as they deliver business training to selected trainers from the Afghan Women's Business Federation. This training is part of a grant Bpeace received from a client of JP Morgan Private Bank and the Afghan Women's Business Federation, which is supported by USAID and their contractor CIPE.
2. While in Kabul we will be assisting our associates develop a shared retail store strategy! We will be looking at possible sites for a future store.
3. In every spare moment Athena and Kate will be working with our associates on their business progress.
4. Kate will be training Nargis, the owner of Venus, the only women's only fitness center in Kabul, in a new fitness program designed by Nargis's U.S. mentors, Jeff and Julie Castaldo, who own The Training Studio in Nyack, New York.
5. Wendy Summer, a Bpeace member who visited Afghanistan this Spring was inspired!! This talented entreprenuer will be back in Kabul busy launching a for-profit-export business named Tashakor with a "give back" mission , while continuing to work with our Bpeace associates, including her beloved mentee Bahknazera.
6. And of course this group of women knows how to find the fun and we are already strategizing where to find it . . .
   

Summer in Kabul . . .stayed tuned