Bpeace in Afghanistan in July

Kate and Athena receiving their thank-you genuine Afghan silk rugs.

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.