February 2011

Hey Folks,

DAI has had another successful year. We are in the process of constructing approximately 20 new classrooms in 3 new villages and a 3 room addition in Qarnala, our second school back in 2005.

The trip to Hezerajat this past summer was quick (7days)and quiet , (no music when riding with Mr. Qasimi).The roads we took this time were not the ones from the past 8 years. Last summer was the 1^st time I did not visit Ghazni at least once on my way in or out. I was disappointed that I was not able to see friends who I have known for years, I hope that 2011 might be different security wise.

2010 projects

We made our way to the village of Kalo about an hour south of Bamiyan City. Kalo was supposed to be our 1^st school built in Bamiyan province; The Vermont Guard had members stationed in the area and this project is in honor of a fallen soldier Tom Stone, near and dear to VNG members.

 Guardsmen who visited Kalo this fall helped us realize that no construction had started on the school. Mr. Qasimi, busy with elections, communicated to me that the price had risen from the 12 thousand dollar estimate and agreement to nearly 30 thousand. I should have a better understanding of this  when I visit next summer, but Mr Qasimi and I both agreed to locate another village who was in need of classrooms. Mr Qasimi informed me that Pandala was a village we could consider and I agreed.

I look forward to seeing construction on Stoney’s  fifth school in progress when I arrive next summer.

The villages of Shemalto  and Jorgai are the other two new locations for 2010 . Shemalto is building six new rooms to accommodate their 380 students, Shemalto had six rooms already but it was evident that there was a need for more classroom space.  Jorgai students were attending school in a Mosque, To me it is a good sign when a village wants to make education independent of outside influences. I hope to see the number of young girls attending school in Jorgai  rise from the 50 attending school now  to well over a hundred in the next two years.

Time was not on my side this year. Visiting 12 villages was on our list and we had less than 7 days to get to Kabul and back. I had four schools to visit and document as well as give a speech and have a customary meal of some kind. Along the way we made stops in all but Bahtu and Eserak. After several celebrations we literally hopped in the van and took off waving as we drove out of sight. This summer I spent more time traveling than visiting with villagers: It is the nature of the beast I guess.

2009 projects

2009 was our most successful year as far as the number of rooms we were able to fund

Bariki, Bid, Safedab, Tobi Garmob, were the four villages where we started projects in 2009. They are featured in this years calendar along with the village students and elders. Bahtu is considered finished, but the other three as of last summer are still in need of doors, windows and, in Safedab, a roof as well.

Previous school projects

Youth in Eserak, Yakhshi, Garmob, Borjigai, Alton and Bahtu and Qarnala  are all attending school on a normal basis. Most of these schools are considered finished but all do need some attention. Doors and windows are on my list, Garmob wants a computer added to the list.

Mir Bacha Kot Library

The Library appeared to be in operation at one of its most organized states in the 6 plus years of existence. It was relatively clean, books were on the shelves and library cards with photo ID’s were being handed out to new members. I asked them to use the 500 dollars I left with the principal to finish the exterior of the building and paint it. I told him that it should be finished before my return next summer if they indeed wished to receive another 500 dollars for operating expenses. 

What else is New

Thanks to my friend Peter (stationed in Bamiyan), Mad River Glen and I teamed up to collect and ship 9 pairs of tele skis and 9 pairs of tele boots to a fledging outback tour guide project for winter treks into the Bamiyan Mountains. We are hopeful that we can do another collection of equipment after the ski season that would build up the inventory of equipment needed for tourism based skiing in Bamiyan.

If you have, or know of used Telemark equipment that could be donated for this project please feel free to contact me via e-mail at      hoffman@directaidinternational.org

On the home front DAI has been keeping me very busy. My free time the next few months is quickly filling with presentations, meeting’s and the continual correspondence. There are several projects In the works that will not bear fruit for 2011 but could make 2012 a good year.

2011 projects

 I think it would be best if we reserved ten thousand dollars for bringing all 14 current schools to completion. I decided last summer to Hold Off until 2011 on this designation of funds.  Several schools still had plans for completion without asking for assistance from us. I am not sure what will be accomplished since my visit last summer, but was informed that Tobi Garmobs shipment of doors and glass for windows was hijacked on its way from Ghazni, leaving the village with no funds available to offset the loss.

Technology has improved communication between trips. Mr Qasimi has an e-mail account; gone are the days when I just showed up at Mr. Qasimis door in Ghazni. This year I have an additional resource, Moheb (from Afghanistan), is an exchange student at Essex High School. With his help translating we were able to cover a lot of territory in 15 minutes on speaker phone.

 Mr Qasimi wanted me to extend his best wishes and good health to you and your family and like I thank you for your continued support.  Please feel free to share my website with like minded family and friends   http://www.directaidinternational.org/  or connect with me on facebook

I hope all is well in your world

Peace

Jonathan

December 11, 2010

Dear Friends of the Tom Stone Project and Direct Aid International (DAI),

It has been two years since we began fundraising to build a school in Afghanistan in honor of Vermont fallen soldier, Tom Stone. As you will see in the following pages, our collaboration with DAI and the Afghan villages has produced three new schools which will provide education for both boys and girls. These schools are simple but sturdy construction of stone and concrete. They are in the very remote area of central Afghanistan (Gazni Province) and home to the Hazara people. These villages, although quite poor, are relatively peaceful.

As a result of your continued support, Jonathan (DAI) was able to make his ninth trip to Afghanistan, traveling to Gazni to check on the progress of the schools, take photos, and find a new location for our fourth Tom Stone School. We are currently negotiating plans for this school in an area of Gazni Province called Pandala. This is the northern area of the Narwar region of central Afghanistan. We look forward to breaking ground next summer.  

Our hope for the coming year is to provide funds to complete the finishing touches on the Tom Stone Schools (such as doors and windows), and basic repairs for some of the older schools. Your generosity is manifested in the children’s faces and wave of thanks. I too offer my hand in gratitude for your faithful support. May peace be with you as we draw this year to a close and greet a new one, full of possibility. All contributions are welcome. Checks can be written to Direct Aid International with a note in the memo for Tom Stone Schools. Direct Aid International is a 501 © nonprofit and your donation is tax deductable.

DAI

Po Box 394

Northfield, VT 05663

www.directaidinternational.org

 

Blessings,

Rose Loving

(lovingrose2@gmail.com)

August 29, 2009

Dear Friends,

As you know last fall we began a fundraising project to build a school in Afghanistan to honor Tom Stone. I wanted to provide an update on our progress this past year. First, here’s a little background: this idea for the school became a reality when I met Jonathan Hoffman of Direct Aid International. He is another remarkable man who teaches cooking to high school students in Vermont, and in his spare time during the summer he travels to Afghanistan to facilitate the building of schools in rural villages. He raises money through his non-profit organization to pay for the school. The village in receiving the school typically provides labor or materials.

Last September we started with a fundraising dance here in Vermont. It was a memorable evening and we raised over  $3,000. The word got out and compassion spread like wild fire! Donations started arriving in the mail and have continued through all these months of economic troubles. Several local schools have gotten involved and the kids raised hundreds of dollars all on their own. The outpouring of support for this project has been truly amazing. And I personally want to thank all who have been so supportive.

In December (2008) we received a matching grant challenge for up to $10,000 and by the end of January (2009) had raised the $10,000 and received the grant. This is a small grass roots operation with a lot of heart behind it. Tom Stone is surely smiling! Together we are all able to make a difference and carry on the work that Tom would be proud of. I am pleased to report that as of the end of July, donations totaled $40,000!

Also in July, Jonathan Hoffman left for Afghanistan to begin the process of locating the appropriate village for the school. The Narwur region (in  Gazni Province)  proved to be the best location, and contracts were made and signed to begin construction on three schools ; two 8 room schools and one 4 room school, all as part of the Tom Stone School project. The villages of Safedab and Sardekay will build the 8 room schools and the village of Bariki will build the 4 room school. A clinic near Bariki is under construction at this time by the PRT. A blessing, for these children.

This area of Afghanistan is home to people of the Hazara ethnic group. They are quite poor and have been considered a lower class of people by other Afghans, especially the Taliban.

We currently have some promised pledges for the coming year, and will continue fundraising in order to buy supplies for these schools, and possibly build another one. All contributions should be made to Direct Aid International and are tax deductible. Please write Tom Stone School in the memo. And mail checks to:

Direct Aid International

P.O. Box 394

Northfield, Vermont   05663

I want you all to know how deeply moved I am by all the comments, sharing and love you have for Tom , as well as your generous support of the schools. We need to keep going forward, with this project. Please tell your friends, and look for updates on the progress of the schools on www.remembertomstone.net

Blessings,   Rose Loving  

FINALLY!!! After a long time of hand wringing. I can finally tell you about this new project of hope. We are raising money to build a school in Afghanistan in Tom's honor. It has and continues to be an amazing process that people want to support. It feels like everything Tom loved and believed in. And from the way it is evolving, I am sure he is smiling about it. The school will be in Herat Province, western Afghanistan. We don't have the exact site yet. It will be based on the need of the village and how much we raise will determined what we can do. It will be made of stone and concrete and have a metal roof. The village is required to donate materials or labor. All the info. is in the attached letter. I have a brochure also. The most important thing to remember is to make a donation by check, in the memo must be noted "Tom Stone School" if donation is made on line, a separate email must accompany it stating the same. This project is giving me so much strength to go forward. It is challenging emotionally, yes, but it means the world to me. We now have a matching grant till Jan. 31st for up to $10,000 from a private family foundation. So right now all our dollars are doubled! Lets run with it for Tom's honor. We need the word spread , and any ideas are welcome. Thank you all in advance.

Blessings,

Rose Loving
33 Johnson Circle
Tunbridge, VT 05077
(802) 763-7434
Loving@sover.net