Ambassador Said T. Jawad Meets with the Afghan Community in Los Angeles
Ambassador Said T. Jawad visited Los Angeles, California on February 23 to deliver the key note address at the Afghanistan Relief Organization (ARO) annual fundraiser. The event, entitled “Peace Trough Education,” was attended by over 500 members of the Afghan community. All funds from the evening will be donated to vocational schools in rural parts of Afghanistan. The attendees were captivated by a special musical performances by the renowned Afghan singers Ms. Ustad Mawash and Mr. Khalil Ragheb, as well as a piano performance by Najib Miskinyar.
In his key note address, Ambassador Jawad discussed the current achievements and challenges facing Afghanistan primary and higher education sector. He discussed the Government of Afghanistan and the international community’s ongoing efforts to boost literacy, build schools, train new teachers, and reform the 19 universities and institutions of higher education.
ARO’s Technology Education Center in Kabul now provides free education to 1100 girls and boys, as well as providing adult education programs. ARO was established in 1998 and has received support from the British Embassy in Kabul, the European Union, and has worked with the US military on airlifting relief supplies.
During his two day visit to California, Ambassador Jawad also visited the Afghan Consulate General in Los Angeles where he met with Afghan Consulate General Attiqullah Atifmal and prominent members of the Afghan community, including former members of cabinet, diplomats, political analysts, social activists, members of the Afghan media, business leaders and the staff of the Afghan Consulate. In his meeting, Ambassador Jawad discussed the current situation in Afghanistan with a focus on security as well as the US and NATO’s recent calls for increased support for Afghanistan’s long-term effort. Ambassador Jawad also provided a briefing on the US Administration’s new strategy for Afghanistan in which the US Government has requested an additional $ 11.8 billion for enhancing Afghan security and reconstruction.
Ambassador Jawad concluded his trip by meeting with the coach and players of the Afghan National Basketball Team and National Ping Pong Team, which competed in last year’s Asian Games in Doha, Qatar. “As Afghanistan rebuilds roads and schools, we also must invest in the talents of our young people. These teams are national treasures, and Afghans across the world were proud to see them represent our country in the Asian Games,” he said.
For more information about the Afghan Relief Organization, visit www.afghanrelief.com
