FAIZABAD, BADAKHSHAN- On July 17, 2006, the Alternative Livelihoods Program for Northeast Afghanistan (ALP/N), a USAID funded development project, donated its most recent harvest of cucumbers, squash, pumpkins, and green beans from its Faizabad trial farm to Fatima-Tul-Zahra Orphanage in the Faizabad Old City.

 

On July 17, 2006, the Alternative Livelihoods Program for Northeast Afghanistan (ALP/N), a USAID funded development project, donated its most recent harvest of cucumbers, squash, pumpkins, and green beans from its Faizabad trial farm to Fatima-Tul-Zahra Orphanage in the Faizabad Old City.

 

The orphanage is home to 30 girls and 20 boys who live and study in a house on the grounds.  Khairullah Khamoosh, chief of Fatima-Tul-Zahra, welcomed the contribution, explaining that “Now we are in critical condition due lack of funds, and we appreciate the donation.”

 

Amina, a 9-year-old girl who lost her father in the war, smiled as she accepted ALP/N’s donation.  “I am glad for the help that your office brought us.”

 

Gulam Hazrat, a 12-year-old boy also lost his father in the war, expressed his thanks.  “We are glad from your help and assistance,” he said.

 

This marks ALP/N’s second vegetable donation to a Faizabad orphanage in less than a month.

 

The assistance to local orphanages is one of many benefits to the community as a result of ALP/N’s trial farm project.  A large number of domestic vegetables and spices are infected with diseases, which reduce their yields and hurt the income of farmers.  ALP/N has been importing a variety of seeds since April, and rented land in Faizabad, Kishem, and Taloqan to cultivate the seeds.  The seeds will be cultivated side-by-side with local varieties and the results will be compared to identify the most productive options for local farmers.  The current trials will continue through October 2006, and ALP/N will test additional crops in 2007.

 

ALP/N is committed to continuing its assistance to orphanages through the donation of its vegetable harvests.