10.19.2015 – Ayenda Foundation’s 10th Anniversary Celebration
Ayenda Foundation celebrated its 10th years of progress in educating Afghan children in a big ceremony at the Residence of Ambassador of Japan, H.E. & Mrs. Kenichiro Sasae.
The milestone celebration brought together the Diplomatic Community, U.S. Officials, members of Congress, Media partners, corporations and longstanding friends and supporters.
The Founder and President of Ayenda Foundation, Mrs. Shamim Jawad, welcomed the guests and thanked Ambassador and Mrs. Sasae for hosting Ayenda’s 10th Anniversary at their most magnificent residence and for their warm hospitality and friendship.
She indicated, “We deeply appreciate Japan’s longstanding support to the Afghan people. Afghanistan and Japan enjoyed a century old friendship. Japan has been our partner in reconstruction, reconciliation, building infrastructure, supporting education and peace building programs. Japan has provided us with over $10 Billion Dollars for such crucial projects.”
During the program, Mrs. Jawad stated Ayenda’s accomplishments during the past 10 years. They started their mission by delivering joy and hope to children through implementing quick impact projects; such as building soccer fields and providing sports gear, help publishing the first Afghan Children’s Song book; and moved on to long-term projects; such as providing scholarships for female students to attend the American University of Afghanistan. They partnered with other NGOs for building schools and providing food and shelter to the refugee families living outside Kabul.
She spoke proudly of their most significant project, the building of their first school, the Ayenda Learning Center in Bamiyan, An elementary school for orphans from ages of 6 to 14. In addition to standard educational curriculum, Ayenda provides warm meals and classes in civic rights, English and computer. Over a 1000 students have graduated from Ayenda School since its inception in 20009.
Mrs. Jawad concluded by saying, “It has been 10 rewarding years. We have come a long way, but we are not out of the woods. We have promises to keep to Bamiyan children; and we can only keep these promises with your continued support and generosity.
So help us keep our doors open, the computers running and our students smiling.”
