Raqim Foundation

Following up on our three-tiered relief operation of last year, Raqim Foundation, with the tremendous support of International Orphan Care and numerous tireless volunteers in the state of California, has collected between 150,000 - 170,000 pounds of new or slightly used clothing, and 50 sets of PC's and printers. These goods have been shipped to Afghanistan and are being distributed in the neediest provinces. The above photos are from our distribution drive in Logar province.The above photos are from our

This unprecedented shipment (in terms of volume) comes at a time when the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan is deepening, as much of the country continues to be convulsed by violence and the government remains politically paralyzed and economically hamstrung: millions of impoverished Afghans – the enormity of their suffering is almost beyond human comprehension -- have been left to fend for themselves and are in desperate need of help. The winter months are especially cruel, as frigid temperatures and massive snowfalls descend on the region, unleashing outbreaks of disease and an array of other unfortunate calamities. Many children and the elderly freeze to death each year senselessly because they simply can’t keep warm due to a lack of shelter, blankets and adequate clothing. And the amount of aid reaching the country is considerably less than what it will take to protect the millions of vulnerable Afghans at highest risk.

Our principal concern was to deliver these items before the onset of winter in Afghanistan, which typically occurs around mid-November. So we assembled an experienced team on the ground in Afghanistan and made preparations well in advance so that our Winter Relief Campaign would proceed as smoothly as possible.

Raqim Foundation's winter relief shipment, the largest private shipment of goods transported by USAID to Afghanistan, is now nearing completion. It's been a rousing success, reaching some of the most underserved, remote provinces in Afghanistan, and has garnered plenty of local media coverage. Thousands of people in these poverty-stricken regions have flocked to our distribution points and received an assortment of goods which will hopefully make their harsh lives a little more bearable. (Photographs are posted on our website.)

This unprecedented shipment has taken almost ten months to complete and would not have come to fruition without the generosity and valuable assistance of many volunteers, both in the United States and in Afghanistan. On behalf of our Board of Directors, I would like to take this opportunity to single out several individuals whose contributions deserve special mention: Mr. John Ayam, who devoted so much of his precious time and resources, and Mr. Heward Wardak, who assisted him; Ms.Nazi Etemadi, who selflessly spent countless hours collecting most of these goods; and Mr.Sarwary, who donated all the PC's and printers. In Afghanistan our relief efforts were organized and led by Mr. Zundigul Zamani and Mr. Mansoor Zamani, both of GPFA, Mr Azizi of TCOW, and Mr. Asad Mojadiddi. Their careful planning and distribution of the goods in hazardous conditions is remarkable and inspirational. H.E. Abdul Qadeer Fitrat helped us navigate the bureaucratic maze in Afghanistan. God bless them all.

Raqim Foundation's Vocation Training program up and running in Kabul Orphanage!

Upon my arrival in Kabul on Aug 17 2008 I met with Mr. Ahmady who is Principal of Kabul orphanage and went over Raqim Foundation and our proposal in regards to Vocational training. Mr. Ahmady was very pleased and on behalf of Kabul Orphanage expressed his happiness and appreciation for the good cause and Raqim Foundation's sincere approach to this project.

As suggested by Mr. Ahmadi we talked about students, grades and ages for boys and girls and their qualification for AutoCAD and land Surveying training. The age of students are between 7 to 16 years old . There are couple of students in 10th grade and many in 9th grade and below.

Some students are familiar with English language as it is thought as a subject in their schools. As far as Computer and technical knowledge about AutoCAD and Survey there is need for pre vocational training classes.

After students evaluation we both came to the conclusion to establish two English classes and one computer class for those students who are good candidates for the Vocational training in the above two areas. We both came to a conclusion to get two English classes and on computer class. I asked Mr. Ahmady to look for some local teachers in both fields. He interviewed some university students who are in need of such job. He hired two English teachers and one computer teacher.

What is AutoCAd?

AutoCAD is a CAD (Computer Aided Design or Computer Aided Drafting) software application for 2D and 3D design and drafting.

Why AutoCAD in Afghanistan?

R.F. funded vocational training of AutoCAD program designed to provide marketable jobs skills. The successful training program took place in Kabul Orphanage R.F.plans to expand vocational training to more youth in many other orphanages throughout Afghanistan .

Achievements to date and time period:

As of September 1st 2008 all classes have been started and going very well. These classes will go on at least for a year as suggested in my meeting with the principal and other staff member of Kabul Orphanage. Upon completion of our first year and reevaluation of students who attended and successfully completed the classes a selective number of students will be assigned to our Survey and AutoCAD training courses. Further more I came to conclusion to send one students who in in attending Kabul University to be enrolled to a local AutoCAD and Survey private school for upcoming training courses .

Successful completion of R.F. AutoCAD classes.

In February 2010 R.F. First graduates of AutoCAD classes successfully completed their vocational training. The number of gradates were 6 students who are ready to take the lead for the next class of AutoCAD. Every two students will be responsible for one class of 6 more new trainees. By the end of 2010 there will be 18 fully trained students.

English classes and AutoCAD training.

There have been good progress. As per my own observation and analyses these classes to be continued for another sex months. Mohammad Fahim Ludin has finished the first part of training in AutoCad and will go under extensive training by Murtaza Asghari(One of my students) who is very experienced with Survey and AutoCAD . I hope within two more months Mr. Ludin will be ready to start the AutoCAD classes for 4 additional students.

Total cost at this stage and how much was given at the inception, and equipment:

There have been some changes in regards to project associated cost . I will submit a new Budget proposal for review and approval by September 26th . I have paid the salaries in advance for four months and for some equipments . Special lunch was provided for KOC students and staff including labors building the new widows shelters . KOC has wages standards and would like not to exceed the average salaries significantly for the new teachers. On the other hand it is difficult to find teacher for English , computer and technical training for the amount offered by KOC. The standard salary for teachers are about $70.00 (seventy) dollars a month . I told Mr. Ahmady that we will honor the standards and will contribute additional amount to those who are not willing to work for such amount separately . For one instructor who is a very good English teacher who use slides and audio system as teaching technique we have to send another $50 dollars in addition to the $70 dollars. This is still way bellow $500 and $250 monthly salary approve by the board. We also need to send some books , note books and stationary as part of the project. If any one has or can find suitable material for English and Computer instruction please let me know.

I hope the above information has been helpful and would like to thank you all for your cooperation and help in achieving our goal for this vital project.

Cost Associates:

1-Computers and accessories $1,140

2-English Teachers salaries $2,040

3-AutoCAD and Surveying $1,080

The cost of AutoCAD vocational training including English classes, equipments and instructors salaries total $4,260.

As agreed I installed the AutoCAD program hand delivered the 3 computers and presented to KOC . Due to power deficiency and surge issue I purchased a power Stabilizer with 5 unit(computer) capacity (cost included above - computers and accessories)

What next?

Mr. Ahmady has suggested and needs our support for vocational training in the area of carpentry specifically mobile furniture manufacturing and repair. There is high demand for such manufacturing field. His suggestion was toward students who do not make universities and students who need to work part time. I asked Mr ahmady to look for a carpenter who is willing to teach such a course and also asked him to submit a proposal in this regard. I believe it is a good idea and the cost will be very low for the equipments and monthly salary.

Opportunity in Dubai for KOC students

On my way back from Kabul I visited Mr. Zekria Sulaimankhail who owns three restaurants in Dubai. He lived in Germany for many years as well as united States . During my conversation with him I told him about my trip to Kabul and Raqim Foundation and our vocational training for KOC. He was very anxious to help us and those students who get proper training in the above mentioned fields. He is willing to sponsor students who are in their legal age and are willing to work in Dubai. He asked me to contact him and send him the photos and necessary document such as passport or travel documents. He will provide the work Visa for Dubai . He also suggested if we can send him donation boxes for the cashier desk so people can donate and to be collected and send to Afghanistan. He mentioned that he is willing to have his wife travel to Kabul there is sufficient amount collected to be distributed to many of the centers associated with Raqim foundation I think we can talk about this in our upcoming meeting.

Carpentry and Metal work

I met with Mr Hamid Qasimi from Qasimi Group a very successful company in Afghanistan. Qasimi group own and run two factory in Kabul. One is metal work and the other one is Carpentry. I asked him if he can provide training for some students who are willing to learn and work while studying. He agreed and indicated his willingness to help Raqim Foundation. He will provide free training by his own staff and accommodation. We only need to buy the necessary tools which will cost about $80-$100 for each students. I asked Mr azizi from TCOW to provide me with a list of ten(10) students. Mr Qasimi mentioned that he will be able to help with transportation

School in Nooristan

Raqim Foundation has forged an alliance with Nooristan Foundation to build a school in remote Nooristan province. We have targeted a village that has no school presently and hope to build a permanent structure there in the near future.

Dear NF Board/Committee Members/Supporters:

I am pleased to share two photos with you that were taken this past summer at the beginning of classes at the Pasigam Village School . These are the actually little students we are helping. This really made my day to see them and know that we are all changing their lives for the better and helping them learn, which they would not otherwise have had the chance. There is also a receipt for the school bags that were bought for them from Jalalabad on July 10th. (Mr. Aider of Nuristan Mountain Schools had already provided us with the receipts for other supplies). This was taken before the furniture for the classes was finished, which photos we will hopefully receive when classes resume.

I will be sending him a chart for the teachers to sign that they received their salary for the last semester. We will do that each semester so that we can ensure the teachers and staff are getting paid. Mr. Aider is very honest and was referred by someone who was working with the PRT in Nuristan (with whom he worked as a Cultural Advisor), but instituting practices that provide for accountability are prudent and should be followed no matter who is involved.

As you all know, schools are closed in the winter months in Afghanistan , especially Nooristan which gets heavy snows. Classes will resume on March 21st, the first day of spring and beginning of the year for Afghans.

I wanted to share the photos with you so that you can see the children who you have directly helped with your efforts this past year. It has been a pleasure working with all of you and knowing that there are so many caring individuals who take the time to help others, thousands of miles away. NMS does not advertise that to the broader community that assistance is being received from the U.S as it would create security issues for the school, but the families and teachers are aware that support is coming to them from individuals here.

Thank you all and I hope you have a great holiday season.

Sincerely,
Mariam

RF/LUMS Scholarships

We are in the process of establishing two Raqim Scholarships to the prestigious Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS), one of the pre-eminent technical institutions in South Asia. We have cultivated warm relations with senior LUMS officials who have heartily embraced our idea of sending top Afghan students abroad (Pakistan) for advanced studies. Another goal of this project is to increase regional cooperation between Afghanistan and her neighbors, and to ensure that Afghans have the requisite technical skills to compete in the global economy.

Telemedicine project

We have just embarked on an innovative Telemedicine initiative, which is a first in the country and will finally bring hope to countless desperate people in far-flung villages scarred by constant violence and grinding poverty. If successful, we will try replicating this life-saving project across Afghanistan, hoping to bring the latest medical advances within the reach of even the most inaccessible villages.

Book project

Raqim Foundation is in the process of funding a translation of Abdullah al-Ansari's Stations of the Wayfarer. Al-Ansari, one of Afghanistan's most influential philosphers, lived in the 11th century in Herat. His epic works have been largely forgotten, and Raqim Foundation is trying to resurrect the teachings of this giant. This would be a historic achievement that would bring Al-ansari's works to light and would reacquaint Afghans with their rich cultural past.

Relief in Bamyan

The 2006 winter in Afghanistan proved to be one of the harshest in recent memory; and the fledgling government, owing to a lack of resources, was ill-equipped to handle another major humanitarian crisis. The heavy snowfall and freezing temperature brought more death and misery to the land, dramatically increasing the desperation of an already beleaguered population. Heartrending scenes played out across the country with excruciating regularity as innocent young children succumbed daily to cold-related illnesses such as pneumonia, whooping cough, and other respiratory infections. The growing multitudes of poor people were essentially on their own, left to fend for themselves amidst a stark and unforgiving landscape. Many remote villages in the impoverished mountainous regions couldn't be reached by relief workers as the roads became blocked and impassable. Avalanches were a constant threat. The stricken villagers faced a myriad of problems such as access to food, medicines, hospitals, doctors, scarcity of firewood, and lack of grazing land for their animals.

Given this backdrop, the Raqim Foundation, in coordination with the Organization for the Advancement of Afghan Women (NY) and the Masjid e Mahajareen (CA), initiated a blanket drive for the people of Bamyan Province, purchasing 2000 blankets in Kabul and transporting them to Bamyan in trucks.

Our four man mission, together with the Deputy Governor of Bamyan and other officials, then successfully distributed these blankets to one thousand needy families in several villages across this vast and desolate region.

ADRP

It has been said that the greatest acts of kindness come from small acts of love. In this spirit the Raqim Foundation, which was established two years ago to help alleviate the crushing poverty that afflicts most of Afghanistan's population, held its first fundraising event on January, 29 2006 in Fremont, California, for the Afghan Dental Relief Project (ADRP), which was founded by Dr. James Rolfe.

Twenty five years of civil war and occupation have destroyed most of the healthcare system that existed in Afghanistan. Despite five years of relative peace, the majority of Afghans have no access to basic healthcare which the rest of us take for granted. Oral health care, which is a vital component of general health and well being, remains out of the reach of most Afghans. Modern research links poor oral health to increased risk of cardiovascular disease, uncontrolled diabetes, and poor reproductive outcomes (pre-term child delivery and low birth weight children). Furthermore, acute oral-facial infections claim new lives throughout Afghan society every day.

Dr. James Rolfe, a licensed dentist in Santa Barbara, California, traveled three times to Afghanistan with mobile equipment as a volunteer, and was so touched by the plight of the people that he decided to establish a permanent clinic in Kabul not only to treat the needy but also to teach locals dental technology and dental hygiene.

The Raqim Foundation, cognizant of the importance of this project to the people of Afghanistan, raised $15,000 for ADRP. In Kabul, the Raqim Foundation's VP, Tor Achekzai, served as the liaison between Dr. Rolfe and the Afghan Government. In the US, the Raqim Foundation's Chairman introduced Dr. Rolfe to Mr. Mohammadi, who put his family's house in Karte Char -- which served as ADRP's temporary clinic -- at the disposal of ADRP, until a suitable permanent structure was erected. Our donation and valuable assistance was instrumental in helping Dr. Rolfe to begin this vital project.

The Raqim Foundation is pleased to announce that we have launched our annual Winter Relief Campaign for the people of central Afghanistan.

Last year’s blanket drive and distribution effort, despite numerous security concerns and countless logistical challenges, proved so successful that we hope to build on it this winter, pursuing an even more ambitious, multi-tiered approach. This unprecedented (in central Afghanistan) three-pronged initiative comes at a time when the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan is deepening, as much of the country continues to be convulsed by violence and the Karzai government remains politically paralyzed and economically hamstrung: millions of impoverished Afghans – the enormity of their suffering is almost beyond human comprehension -- have been left to fend for themselves and are in desperate need of help. The winter months are especially cruel, as frigid temperatures and massive snowfalls descend on the region, unleashing outbreaks of disease and an array of other unfortunate calamities. Many children and the elderly freeze to death each year senselessly, as they simply can’t keep warm due to a lack of shelter, blankets and adequate clothing. And the amount of aid reaching the country is considerably less than what it will take to protect the millions of vulnerable Afghans at highest risk.

In response to this urgent need, the Raqim Foundation is taking the following steps to alleviate some of the suffering in the remote central highlands:

We want to extend our deepest gratitude to the many dedicated individuals who are supporting us in this vital mission, and who are helping us navigate this logistical maze with care and efficiency. It is our sincere hope to bring some small measure of comfort to our embattled brethren in Afghanistan.

To help protect the orphaned children of Afghanistan from another severe winter, the Raqim Foundation made the following donation to The Children of War (TCOW):

Two boxes of assorted medicines containing 5292 tablets and 92 bottles of syrup/liquid medication.
Mr. Zemar Achikzai, one our generous Board Members, was kind enough to carry these from California to Kabul.

GPFA

We are proud of our enduring partnership with GPFA, which is operating in 5 provinces and impacting tens of thousands of lives by training rural families (widows and their children) in agro-enterprises that are capable of generating adequate income to sustain them. Millions of saplings have been planted and numerous fruit orchards have blossomed across Afghanistan thanks to GPFA's innovative grassroots approach. Former President Bill Clinton recently hailed GPFA as the most successful NGO in the world. In keeping with our mission to promote education in Afghanistan, Raqim Foundation has just funded 6 GPFA sponsored scholarships/internships at Albirouni University.

In 2005, the Global Partnership for Afghanistan (GPFA) launched a program to reduce poverty for rural Afghan women by creating income generating opportunities in horticulture. Raqim Foundation teamed up with GPFA on this project, raising $20,000 toward this effort, which yielded an additional $42,000 in matching funds. Last year, 26 female heads of household in the Shomali Valley participated in GPFA's Horticultural Business Development Program with great success.

Agriculture once sustained 80% of Afghans, accounted for 50% of the country's wealth, and made Afghanistan self-sufficient in food production. Formerly an agricultural exporter known as the orchard of Central Asia for its extraordinary fruits, Afghanistan has lost an estimated 60-80% of its orchards and vineyards to war and drought. Today, though women constitute 60% of the population and a significant portion of the agricultural work force, their participation is meagerly rewarded. Widows and female heads of households face particular difficulties due to illiteracy, cultural restrictions limiting travel and other barriers to training. Women's problems exacerbate the vulnerabilities of their children. About half of children under five years of age are stunted due to chronic malnutrition, and up to 10% suffer from acute malnutrition.

This program will assist 80 women in significantly increasing their harvest and income by providing training and access to quality vegetable and tools, much of this provided via credit. Once harvested, we assist families with food preservation and marketing. For an investment of $70 per woman in training, improved seeds, fertilizers and tools, we will help women farmers double their income from these vegetable crops, reaching over $500 in profit per half acre. That increased knowledge will pay off for years to come with increased food supplies, family nutrition and income.

This horticultural project will provide direct benefit to 93 impoverished women and provide needed food and income to their families, some 500 additional beneficiaries. The focus upon knowledge transfer and business skill development will aim, at every stage, to achieve a permanent increase in the economic standing of these women and their eventual integration into established production and market systems

In his recent trip to Afghanistan (May, 2007), Mr. Achikzad visited some of the work carried out by GPFA with Raqim Foundation's assistance in a number of villages spanning three provinces adjacent to Kabul.

Our $20,000 grant to GPFA, which yielded an additional $46,156 in matching funds from GPFA, has helped to spur economic activity throughout Afghanistan. GPFA has prepared a report for the Raqim Foundation on our grant toward GPFA's fruit orchard/agricultural revitalization project. This project helps women to establish income-generating opportunities in horticulture.

We are please to inform you that this initiative has far exceeded its anticipated results. Rather than helping 88 women farmers, as was originally envisaged, we have helped establish 829 income-generating activities with 783 individual women in 6 districts across 4 provinces;
51 new and 28 revitalized fruit tree orchards have been assisted by this project; family incomes are increasing exponentially each year; 387 home vegetable gardens have also been established; new agro-forestry farm activities are benefitting 344 women farmers; and women are being trained and recruited for various projects. GPFA is currently trying to improve its methods and approaches toward farmer education and training, and also trying to create opportunities for rural youth.

A sign has been placed in each of the four provinces acknowledging the contribution of the Raqim Foundation.

Sargailan Clinic

The Raqim Foundation is delighted to announce that according to the Badakhshan Public Health Department,the Shuhada Clinic has been unofficially opened with a doctor, a nurse and a couple of workers. They have also sent some medicines and equipments to meet the initial needs of the population. The opening was received with jubilation by the local public. This is a monumental achievement for those who worked very hard to build the clinic,considering that there is no other health facility within 50 miles. Dr. Jalali, Chairman of the Provincial Public Health Department, informed Mr. Abdul Qadeer Fitrat, the founder of the clinic, that in the first few days, there were between 100 -150 visitors and the clinic quickly ran out of medicine until re-supply was sent.

Until last year, there was no health facility in the entire Shuhada District of Badakhshan Province, a 45 kilometer long valley with more than 95-100 villages and roughly 35,000 inhabitants. The USAID built two health clinics in 2005, one of which is located in the middle and the other in the lower end of the valley. But none was built in the upper part of the valley, which consists of more than 45 villages and roughly half of the District's population. In 2006 when we visited the valley, two relatively young women had already died during labor just weeks before our arrival. As recently as January 2006, another twenty year-old young woman also died during labor. Her relatives were not able to transfer her to a relatively better equipped Baharak District clinic due to heavy snowfall.

There may be dozens of similar cases that are not reported or simply forgotten. There are hundreds of children and adults who suffer from a variety of diseases and cannot afford to cover this distance to reach Baharak. The need to establish a health facility in the upper part of the valley became absolutely essential.

In response to the overwhelming need for an adequate medical center in this district, in the spring of 2006, a few concerned people began construction of a clinic in Sarghailan. These same people, headed by Mr Abdul Qadeer Fitrat, approached Raqim Foundation and asked us to help them complete the facility. Raqim Foundation, after some scrutiny, made a grant toward this vital project.

The clinic is scheduled to be completed by end of the summer of 2007 and should be operational soon thereafter.

The clinic is an eight room facility including two waiting rooms (for male and female), a surgical room for small scale surgical operations, a kitchen, a male and female restrooms and three extra rooms for other purposes. This facility is easily accessible to all surrounding 45 villages in the upper part of Shuhada District. There are three paramedics/nurses with18 moths of formal training and more than fifteen years of experience in the area who are ready to serve in that clinic. In addition, the administrative body of the District has secured a Government promise for funding the salary and other expenses of a permanent medical doctor and supply of the required medicine for the clinic once it is complete.

TCOW

At The Children of War, Raqim Foundation is promoting hard work by establishing excellence awards for the top 9 unfortunate children - girls and boys.

2007 Blanket Drive for Central Provinces in Afghanistan, Raqim Foundation launches another blanket drive and distribution to the neediest people in the region.

Raqim Foundation’s contribution to Global Partnership for Afghanistan (“GPFA”) continues to generate returns for the Afghan widows participating in the Horticultural Business Development program.

Raqim Foundation, in coordination with the Organization for the Advancement of Afghan Women (NY) and the Masjid e Mahajareen (CA), initiated a blanket drive for the people of Bamyan Province, purchasing 2000 blankets in Kabul and transporting them to Bamyan in trucks. Subsequently, Raqim Foundation received a letter from the provincial government of Bamyan.