I drove across Kabul almost every morning and saw thousands of Afghan children, boys and girls, walking to school with backpacks filled with books. It always gave me a warm feeling and hope that the children were preparing to become future leaders of their country. They received an education to support their dreams.
It is an honor to be Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Aleikain Foundation. I join the other Board members in our passion to help provide education for Afghan girls.
Women share this planet 50/50 and they are underrepresented – their potential astonishingly untapped.
During My Time In Kabul
I served as a U.S. diplomat in Afghanistan from 2011 until 2014 with the U.S. Embassy. I drove across Kabul almost every morning and saw thousands of Afghan children, boys and girls, walking to school with backpacks filled with books. It always gave me a warm feeling and hope that the children were preparing to become future leaders of their country. They received an education to support their dreams.
What Is Happening Today
Today, the situation for the Afghan people is tragic under the Taliban tyranny, especially for women and girls. Meryl Streep put it eloquently in her comments – a female cat, a squirrel, and a bird have more freedom today than an Afghan woman or a girl. Over 80 Taliban decrees and directives have restricted women and girls’ lives – bans on secondary education, visiting public parks, singing or talking in the presence of males, etc.
Join Us In Taking Action and Making An Impact.
We are committed to providing an education for Afghan girls, enabling them to fulfill their dreams. Please consider how you can contribute to this important effort through a tax-deductible donation, your time, effort, and expertise. Please pass this request on to a family member, friend, or colleague.
The need is great, and we seek your support.
Thank you, Ambassador (ret) Edward O’Donnell – Chairman, Board of Directors, Alekain Foundation, Washington, D.C., November 3, 2024
