It is an honor to be Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Alekain Foundation. I join the other Board members in our passion to help provide education for girls in Afghanistan.
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 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.
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 provide an education for girls in Afghanistan so they can 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 11, 2024