Photo By Sgt. Edwin Rodriguez | Members of Najibia Rahim’s family help pack their car with fabrics and sewing...... read more read more
SHINDAND DISTRICT, Afghanistan - Nervous smiles and curious patience were evident throughout the room. Today’s meeting, as with previous meetings, is a crucial step in the partnership building process between coalition partners in Western Afghanistan and the local Afghan district. The hope is the relationship between the two groups will continue to grow especially after the day’s efforts.
Members of the Italian 11th Bersaglieri Regiment, Task Force Centre, 298th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, Task Force Resolute and Special Operations Forces District Team met with Najiba Rahim, the Women's Association leader of Shindand District at Firebase Thomas July 4 to receive donated goods and to discuss further efforts in building community partnership.
Three sewing machines and boxes full of fabric were donated as requested by Rahim in order to train other women on sewing of cloth in outer wear, household materials and other useful items. Any items created through the machines will then be given to local families said Rahim.
“It has been a positive experience working with both the Italians and the Americans. I hope to continue our progress building a partnership,” said Rahim.
After cordial greetings and the receiving of the items, Rahim spoke of issues the community is in need of. Her hope is that the coalition partners can assist. The meeting was held in high regard by Italian army Cpl. Ivana Piazza, a member of the Italian Female Engagement Team, TF-Centre.
“We broke contact for a while, so it was very beneficial to see and speak to her again,” said Piazza.
Rahim has met with the working group numerous times before and is pleased by the progress of their relationship. She is an important leader in the district, and the coalition partners are very aware of her influence in the community.
“The biggest positive I take from this meeting is that both the Italians and the U.S. are working together to help our community,” said Rahim.
Both the 298th CSSB and TF-Centre were able to acquire the sewing machines as well as fabric through purchases in the local community. The goal for both sides is not only to maintain relationships but to build upon them.
“Our (298th CSSB) goal is to foster this relationship to a point where everyone feels safe,” said Capt. Reginald Brownlee, officer in charge of the logistics section of the 298th CSSB. “We hope that after today we are balancing each others’ needs of the community and the needs of Shindand Airbase.”
An hour later, as the vehicle Rahim and her family arrived in is packed full with items that everyone thinks will be of good use, the hope is that relationships have been solidified if not enhanced. As the last handshakes and "Tashakurs" are given, genuine smiles can be seen among the groups. One fact that is known, said Brownlee, is that there will be another meaning, as both sides understand they need each other to build a better Afghanistan.
| Date Taken: | 07.12.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 07.12.2011 08:41 |
| Story ID: | 73578 |
| Location: | SHINDAND AIR BASE, AF |
| Web Views: | 281 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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