Promoting peace through prosperity

AFGHANISTAN

09.04.2009

Story by Capt. John Stamm 

Combined Joint Task Force - 82 PAO

In a society where vast amounts of infrastructure have been lost to war, social upheaval and government instability, the Massoud Foundation, a non-government organization, is assisting Afghan citizens through various social and economic programs designed to rebuild societal infrastructure.

The Kabul-based Massoud Foundation, established in 2003, is committed to addressing the root causes of poverty, illiteracy and malnutrition. The foundation pledges to promote and strengthen the concepts of justice, gender equality, equitable governance and human rights.

"Our aim is to work for the benefit of the people," said Amin Sadiqi, director of the Massoud Foundation office in Panjshir province. "The best solution to ending this war is through education, development and employment."

One of the foundation's premier programs is a micro-finance loan designed specifically for business development. Under this program, citizens of Panjshir can receive $500 in loans to start a small business or to assist a burgeoning one. The loans are paid back, without interest, and loaned out again to another citizen.

To date, the foundation has helped 76 families start businesses, ranging from retail shop-keeping to beekeeping, with 50 more loans currently being processed. The catalyst to this program was a $25,000 grant initiated through the Commander's Emergency Response Program.

CERP is a program designed as a tool for military commanders to inject immediate funds into their local area of operations. These funds are primarily used to spur reconstruction, assist local governance and build lasting infrastructure. The $25,000 grant to the Massoud Foundation has enabled business development and helped the local economy of Panjshir.

"We have an excellent working relationship with the Massoud Foundation," said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Eric W. Hommel, commander of Panjshir PRT. "We are proud to support them in their endeavours to improve the quality of life here through health, education, cultural and business development, and sustainable projects for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of Afghanistan. An educated and productive society is less likely to engage in destructive activities."

In addition to the micro-finance loans, the Panjshir branch of the foundation offers language, literature, vocational and computer education classes with other programs still in the planning stages.

"We are trying to expand the classes we offer to enhance future opportunities for students," Sadiqi said.

The foundation was named in honor of Ahmed Shah Massoud, also known as the "Lion of Panjshir," who was assassinated on Sept. 9, 2001, two days before the attacks on the United States. Massoud is an Afghan national hero who led the effort to drive the Soviet army out of Afghanistan and in the fight against the Taliban.

"The people of Panjshir supported Massoud in the war against the Soviets and the Taliban," Sadiqi said. "That is why it is so important for us to establish services here in his name."

• Date Taken: 09.04.2009
• Date Posted: 09.04.2009 08:49
• Story ID: 38357
• Location: AF