After three decades of warfare, Afghanistan continues to strive towards reconstruction, despite weaning support for the NATO-backed government and the Taliban insurgency. Within this challenging environment, Afghan women are taking reconstruction, coupled with creating social change, into their own hands.
On this tour, you will experience first-hand, the inspirational work of Afghan grassroots organizations, speaking to many of the women leading the drive for change. Specifically participants will explore the current political landscape and the challenges facing grassroots organizations in reconciling a history of conflict with today's needs and threats. Join Global Exchange Reality Tours and Afghans4Tomorrow as we learn and support the tremendous local efforts trying to rebuild a nation.
photo by past participant Peggy Kelsey
Click Here For Sample Itinerary [2]
- Meet with Women's organizations and vocational training centers.
- Learn about micro-lending projects and small businesses for women at PARWAZ.
- Visit the Red Cross Rehabilitation Clinic for Mine Victims and de-mining groups to learn how Afghans are recovering from the devastating legacy of more than 25 years of war.
- Visit newly built and opened girls schools.
- Visit the Afghan Commission for Human Rights, Women for Women International, the W.O.M.A.N literacy program and Ministry of Women's Affairs.
- Visit the National Art Gallery and History Museum
- Visit PARSA, an Afghan Widow Project and gift shop.
- Speak with students at Kabul University.
- Visit female human rights activists.
- Learn about the lives of street children during a visit to Ashiana (Afghan Street Children Project).
- Meet with female judges.
- Visit Afghans4Tomorrow schools for girls in Kabul.
- Double/triple room guest house accommodations
- Two meals a day (lunch excluded)
- In-country transportation (including group airport transfers)
- All program activities
- Trip leader and/or English speaking guide and translators
- Honoraria to all host speakers, organizations and communities
- International airfare is NOT included
- Visa NOT included however Global Exchange will provide guidance in how to obtain this
To register, please complete the on-line application form and send in a deposit of $400. Payments by Mastercard, Visa and Discover are also welcome. Deposits are non-refundable unless the trip is canceled by Global Exchange as explained below.
Please note: We must meet a minimum number of trip participants on every trip, so please register early!
To ensure that all participants can plan accordingly, the minimum number of participants must be reached within 45 days from departure, or the trip will be canceled. If canceled, registered participants can choose to receive a full refund or transfer to a future group. Once a trip is confirmed (reaches the minimum # of participants) all participants will be informed immediately.
This trip will be as diverse as possible in terms of race, age and life experiences. In some cases, a limited number of partial scholarships are available for low-income applicants.