Journey of Hope 2017 journey-of-hope-2017 | Page 6

BLC class of 2016 prepares treats for EID.
and comparing goods deciding where to
spend their money. It was a glimpse into
the future when women claim their stake in
Afghanistan’s economy.
“This took place only three kilometers
to the last station of the Taliban,” remarks
Janagha. “Which shows the courage, pow-
er, and willingness of the women to partici-
pate in the socio-economic development of
the war affected Afghan society. This event
reflects the kindness and generosity of the
women whom reply to the violence tak-
ing place against them every day with love,
peace, and community-based development.”
HARD WORK PAYS OFF
At the end of the program women receive
their own set of cooking tools and a certifi-
cate they can use to apply for jobs. Janagha
reports that since the start of the program
many of the graduates have secured jobs or
even started their own businesses.
A few women are employed as trainers
for women’s empowerment programs with
other organizations that help enroll their
4 | JOURNEY OF HOPE
peers in vocational courses. As the program
at Bano has expanded Janagha has hired two
graduates as additional trainers. Others have
started their own businesses with a regular
stream of customers.
THE TIME IS NOW
The threat of the Taliban looms despite
the progress happening around Faizabad,
and Janagha remains on alert — his biggest
priority is the safety of his students and
teachers. For now the mountains provide
separation, but Janagha knows there could
be a time very soon when they charge over
the mountain, take control of the area, and
cut off opportunity for the women.
“I tell the women ‘if Taliban get control
there will be no opportunity for you to get
education, please don’t waste any minute.
Just over one mountain no girls are allowed
to go to school, use the opportunity
right now.’”
Janagha’s pragmatism does not stop his
progress for the future. He wants to ex-
pand the vocational programs to include
hospitality, marketing, and business train-
ing. He talks of operating a hotel through
the vocational centers where travelers can
stop for a place to eat and sleep, and students
can learn the skills necessary to open their
own tea houses.
“We have no other option,” he says. “If we
stop, then their thoughts and their opinion
will influence the people, the women, and
the girls. Our deep connection with the
community, this is our goodness. These
women are very much brave women.”
Janagha’s hope is bolstered by the
determination of the women who come
to learn these skills. They face threats,
discrimination, and societal pressures, but
they continue to rise above these barriers.
The classes give them hope and the courage
to step into their true place in Afghan
society as entrepreneurs, business owners,
and skilled workers who can earn a living
and help rebuild their country.
For now women walk freely in the
Faizabad Women’s Garden past stands of
sweet smelling pastries and hearty stews.
They may stop to admire woven rugs or to
drop off clothing for tailoring, choosing not
to worry about the Taliban fighters. They
may come charging over the mountain or
they may not. It’s much better to think about
a future full of industry and opportunity,
where women play a vital role in economic
development. It is much better to live with
hope — to rise up and take their place in the
rebuilding of Afghanistan. n
Katie Smith is CAI’s
communications
manager. She came on
board full time after a
stint freelance writing
blogs and articles for
CAI. Originally from
New Hampshire, Smith
moved to Montana to
teach Nordic skiing
and pursue a career in public relations a few
years after earning a Bachelor’s of Psychology
and Environmental Studies at St. Lawrence
University. After completing her M.S. in Public
Relations at MSU Billings, she led PR efforts
for several companies in the outdoor industry
and locally in Bozeman.
When she’s not at work she’s most likely
outside hiking, biking, skiing, running or
backpacking with her Airedale terrier
mix, Andy.
CENTRAL ASIA INSTITUTE