USAID Fact Sheet: HEAR Bulletin No. 4

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Humanitarian Emergency Afghan Radio

HEAR Bulletin No. 4
Friday, 21 Dec. 2001

[Opening sig]

Voice A: (A female voice) (With opening sig under voice) a verse about Eid (Pashto/Dari). e.g. A Pashto verse (Tapa) says: Akhtar de kalee tha ra na wur matha de jur karal da hamzulu Peghoroona.
(Translation): You didn't come to the village to celebrate Eid (Akhtar) together. So I am ashamed in front of my mates.
(Opening sig rises for another 2-3 secs, then gradually fades out)
Voice B: (A male voice) Hello and welcome to our program. It's good to tune to us. Make sure you listen to our program Monday to Friday (At the same time), on the same station.
Voice A: Don't tell us you don't know who we are, we are:
Voice B: (Introducing themselves, only by naming himself and his colleague).
Voice A: And you know that this is a program to tell you about the activities of international aid agencies and Afghan NGO's and also to tell you what they do for you and what you can do to help them and so help yourselves.
Voice B: This program is brought to you by Humanitarian Emergency Afghan Radio project, run by International Organization for Migration or IOM. IOM is an intergovernmental body, serving displaced people around the World.
Voice A: In today's program we have a brief bulletin of news regarding aid activities and a report about the Eid celebrations in Kabul.
(Music Sting)
Voice B: And here is the news:

Crime, banditry and looting continue to be a problem in many areas of Afghanistan. WFP reports that in the district of Dilaram in Nimroz province 500 tons of wheat, barley and maize seeds have been taken from an NGO warehouse. The seeds were needed for distribution to needy farmers for winter planting, but now they have been stolen.

And in another incident, in Jaji, Paktia province, on the night of 16 December, armed men robbed an NGO working on mine clearance activities. Among other goods, the criminals stole a quantity of explosives.

The continuing danger of mines and unexploded ordnance (UXOs) was further highlighted by a tragic incident that occurred near the Maslakh IDP camp near Herat on 18 December. Two children, aged 9 and 10 years were killed, and two others injured, by a yellow B.L.U. 97 bomblet. They had been out collecting firewood.
The Herat Regional Manager of the Mine Action Program, Mr Siddiqui, helped rescue the injured children and recovered the bodies of the two dead children. Speaking with great emotion, Mr Siddiqui had this to say:

"Today is Eid for all Afghans, but it's a tragic day for those Afghans who give up their children while trying to provide for their survival."

Mr Dan Kelly, the Mine Action Program Manager, told journalists in Islamabad today that there are some 5,000 Afghan de-miners. He said they are all committed to working to stop the suffering caused by mines and UXOs.

Dan Kelly also urged Afghan people to understand clearly two new dangers of UXOs that have appeared since the end of the coalition bombing campaign.

First, there the bright yellow bomblets which tragically killed the two children near Herat. Coalition forces have provided the Mine Action Program with full information on 103 sites where these yellow bomblets were dropped.

The danger is that about one in ten of these bomblets failed to explode. And that means they are still active, highly unstable, and likely to explode if they are touched. So if you live near any of these 103 sites, please take care and remind your children of the basic mine awareness message:

If you see a UXO or any strange object, don't touch it.

That message remains true for any place in Afghanistan. And for people who live near any of the 103 sites where the yellow bomblets were dropped, the message is especially important.

The two children in Herat are not the only casualties from new UXO dangers. The bombs dropped on ammunition stores caused thousands of rockets, mortars, missiles, mines and other explosives to be spewed out over fields and roads and even villages up to 5 kms away. This has occurred mainly in areas close to front line fighting. So if you live within 5 kms of a bombed ammunition store, once again the message is the same:

If you see a strange object, don't touch it!

On a brighter note, some 750 children at the Tahiya Masqan orphanage in Kabul are today receiving a somewhat unusual visit - from a group of New York City firefighters and police officers on a humanitarian aid mission to Afghanistan. The New Yorkers are bringing food, powdered milk, and blankets for the children at the orphanage.

And another 750 Kabuli children who are also living in difficult circumstances - either because they have to go out to work, or because they have disabilities - have also received warm clothing and extra food. This has been provided by Save the Children and distributed among the needy children by their local Afghan NGO partners.

Save the Children have also distributed wheat and some other foods to over 8,000 households in Maimana district of Faryab province.

But a less happy tale comes from the Sar Shahi camp in Jalalabad. The camp is temporary home to about 3,000 families, or around 18,000 people, mostly from Kunduz, Baghlan and Tarkhar provinces. However, over 1,000 of these people are still living without shelter, according to an NGO who visited the camp recently. This was reported by UNOCHA at their press briefing in Islamabad on Thursday.

The NGO Refugees International (RI) on Thursday made several recommendations for effective reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan. The agency urges NGOS and UN agencies not to base themselves only in Kabul, but to open regional offices throughout the country. That way, says the agency they can ensure that aid reaches rural communities and embraces all ethnic groups, including the people who do not have influence in the capital.
However, the agency also acknowledges that the challenge will be to find genuine civilian partners and not just give more power to the warlords.

RI also advises donors to be careful to avoid inviting corruption. This could happen if they flood the new government departments and NGOs with large grants that they cannot manage effectively. Instead, RI recommends a focus on funding small community-based projects. This should help ensure that aid reaches the people who really need it.

RI stresses the important value of the expertise and experience of Afghan NGOs, and also those international NGOs who have strong networks of Afghan staff. Many Afghan NGOs, including those headed by women, told RI that they were capable of managing projects themselves. They said they already had valuable experience at community level. They felt that with training and capacity building they would soon be able to operate to international standards.

RI therefore urges that reconstruction be de-centralised, utilise Afghan skills and experience, and focus on community-based projects.

They also recommend that NGOs work with communities to form advisory committees which include women as well as men.

[News Bulletin Ends, followed by music Sting 3-5 Secs]

Voice A: The lazy silence of the few quiet hours that always follow Iftaree was broken by the sound of firing on the 30th Day of Ramadan. (If wanted - actuality of firing sound gradually rises, Maintains and then gradually fade out. (Duration about three secs). The firing sounds continued for an hour.
Voice B: And this is how the news of Eid was announced in Kabul.
Voice A: In the morning Eid prayers were offered in different Mosques (Grand Mosques or Jame Masjids). All prayed for peace, unity and brotherhood. Hatred was condemned and love towards each other was praised.
Voice B: After Eid prayers people greeted each other, and the celebrations started. Children had already come out on to the streets and playgrounds. They were wearing their new clothes.
Voice A: Street sellers, selling food and soft drinks had opened their stalls, and in the playground the swings were erected.
Voice B: As the day passed, the business was booming on the streets. "I am very glad today, I have already earned more than two hundred thousand Afghanis," said Akhtar Mohammad, a swing owner in the Microrian area of Kabul. He was charging (500) Afghanis per one full turn of swing per child.
Voice A: Although adults, both males and females were much less in number than children, but one thing that was really noticeable, was the sound of very loud Music cassettes. Music centers were very much in evidence.
(An actuality of bazaar with music sounds 5-10 Secs)
Voice B: "Availability always breeds demands. In the last few years the absolute ban on Music has created this situation of maximum demand," said Mr Mohammad Sarwar, an owner of a Music center, commenting on the booming music business in Kabul.
Voice A: "There is more freedom now and that makes this Eid different from the previous ones," said a retired army officer (Retired colonel) Mr. A. Qayum Afzali.
Voice B: And another citizen from Kabul, Sayed Tabaruk Shah Badakhshanee, said that since there is no fear of war, so people are mentally satisfied and enjoying their Eid celebrations.
Voice A: "I really enjoyed it, after five years I had the opportunity of playing the chicken eggs game," said Ahmad Munir, a twenty-two year old Kabuli. "This is a game and a custom," he said, commenting on his favourite hobby and proudly looking at dozens of eggs lined up in front of him. He was sitting beside a boiled eggs seller, surrounded by young men of his age. "I know all different types of boiled eggs, I am a master of the game I have the knowledge, I know the tricks and I love it. No-one, absolutely no-one, can easily defeat me."
Voice B: Jawad, a student from Ariana Afghan lycee, felt that for him the Eid was not being fully celebrated and the reason he had was: "Many citizens of Kabul have left the city because of recent fighting. They haven't returned yet. I am missing all those friends who I used to see during the past Eids. If they had returned then this Eid would have been wonderfully celebrated. At least it's more peaceful now".
Voice A: Malalai, an educated Afghan lady said: "There are not many women out, and they don't show their faces. Because they are not really sure if it's safe yet."
Voice B: But Farida, a ten-year-old girl said, "I am very happy this time, I can play with my friends without any fear".
Voice A: Khodai Dad, a taxi driver, although complaining that "there are less people now in Kabul" but he was happy at the rising value of the Afghan currency, stating that so far he has earned well.
Voice B: Ghulam Farooq, a city shopkeeper also reflected similar views. He said that the rising price of the Afghani has benefited him, because he purchased in Pakistani rupees, when the rupee was strong and now that the price of the Afghan currency has risen, he is selling it back in Afghanis.
Voice A: On the second day of Eid, it rained. Although this affected Eid celebrations slightly, but still the music went on and the celebrations continued.
(Rising slowly sound of Afghan Music, kept initially under presenter's Voice)
Voice B: Now, with our best wishes for this Eid and all the future Eids, we say good-bye to you.
Voice A: Till next program, bye bye . . .
(Rising Afghan Music also used as a closing sig). End

Last Updated on: December 30, 2008

*[Opening sig]*
Voice A:	(A female voice) (With opening sig under voice) a verse about Eid (Pashto/Dari). e.g. A Pashto verse (Tapa) says: Akhtar de kalee tha ra na wur matha de jur karal da hamzulu Peghoroona. (Translation): You didn't come to the village to celebrate Eid (Akhtar) together. So I am ashamed in front of my mates.
*(Opening sig rises for another 2-3 secs, then gradually fades out)*
Voice B:	(A male voice) Hello and welcome to our program. It's good to tune to us. Make sure you listen to our program Monday to Friday (At the same time), on the same station.
Voice A:	Don't tell us you don't know who we are, we are:
Voice B:	(Introducing themselves, only by naming himself and his colleague).
Voice A:	And you know that this is a program to tell you about the activities of international aid agencies and Afghan NGO's and also to tell you what they do for you and what you can do to help them and so help yourselves.
Voice B:	This program is brought to you by Humanitarian Emergency Afghan Radio project, run by International Organization for Migration or IOM. IOM is an intergovernmental body, serving displaced people around the World.
Voice A:	In today's program we have a brief bulletin of news regarding aid activities and a report about the Eid celebrations in Kabul.
*(Music Sting)*
Voice B:	And here is the news:
Crime, banditry and looting continue to be a problem in many areas of Afghanistan. WFP reports that in the district of Dilaram in Nimroz province 500 tons of wheat, barley and maize seeds have been taken from an NGO warehouse. The seeds were needed for distribution to needy farmers for winter planting, but now they have been stolen. And in another incident, in Jaji, Paktia province, on the night of 16 December, armed men robbed an NGO working on mine clearance activities. Among other goods, the criminals stole a quantity of explosives. The continuing danger of mines and unexploded ordnance (UXOs) was further highlighted by a tragic incident that occurred near the Maslakh IDP camp near Herat on 18 December. Two children, aged 9 and 10 years were killed, and two others injured, by a yellow B.L.U. 97 bomblet. They had been out collecting firewood. The Herat Regional Manager of the Mine Action Program, Mr Siddiqui, helped rescue the injured children and recovered the bodies of the two dead children. Speaking with great emotion, Mr Siddiqui had this to say: "Today is Eid for all Afghans, but it's a tragic day for those Afghans who give up their children while trying to provide for their survival." Mr Dan Kelly, the Mine Action Program Manager, told journalists in Islamabad today that there are some 5,000 Afghan de-miners. He said they are all committed to working to stop the suffering caused by mines and UXOs. Dan Kelly also urged Afghan people to understand clearly two new dangers of UXOs that have appeared since the end of the coalition bombing campaign. First, there the bright yellow bomblets which tragically killed the two children near Herat. Coalition forces have provided the Mine Action Program with full information on 103 sites where these yellow bomblets were dropped. The danger is that about one in ten of these bomblets failed to explode. And that means they are still active, highly unstable, and likely to explode if they are touched. So if you live near any of these 103 sites, please take care and remind your children of the basic mine awareness message: If you see a UXO or any strange object, don't touch it. That message remains true for any place in Afghanistan. And for people who live near any of the 103 sites where the yellow bomblets were dropped, the message is especially important. The two children in Herat are not the only casualties from new UXO dangers. The bombs dropped on ammunition stores caused thousands of rockets, mortars, missiles, mines and other explosives to be spewed out over fields and roads and even villages up to 5 kms away. This has occurred mainly in areas close to front line fighting. So if you live within 5 kms of a bombed ammunition store, once again the message is the same: If you see a strange object, don't touch it! On a brighter note, some 750 children at the Tahiya Masqan orphanage in Kabul are today receiving a somewhat unusual visit - from a group of New York City firefighters and police officers on a humanitarian aid mission to Afghanistan. The New Yorkers are bringing food, powdered milk, and blankets for the children at the orphanage. And another 750 Kabuli children who are also living in difficult circumstances - either because they have to go out to work, or because they have disabilities - have also received warm clothing and extra food. This has been provided by Save the Children and distributed among the needy children by their local Afghan NGO partners. Save the Children have also distributed wheat and some other foods to over 8,000 households in Maimana district of Faryab province. But a less happy tale comes from the Sar Shahi camp in Jalalabad. The camp is temporary home to about 3,000 families, or around 18,000 people, mostly from Kunduz, Baghlan and Tarkhar provinces. However, over 1,000 of these people are still living without shelter, according to an NGO who visited the camp recently. This was reported by UNOCHA at their press briefing in Islamabad on Thursday. The NGO Refugees International (RI) on Thursday made several recommendations for effective reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan. The agency urges NGOS and UN agencies not to base themselves only in Kabul, but to open regional offices throughout the country. That way, says the agency they can ensure that aid reaches rural communities and embraces all ethnic groups, including the people who do not have influence in the capital. However, the agency also acknowledges that the challenge will be to find genuine civilian partners and not just give more power to the warlords. RI also advises donors to be careful to avoid inviting corruption. This could happen if they flood the new government departments and NGOs with large grants that they cannot manage effectively. Instead, RI recommends a focus on funding small community-based projects. This should help ensure that aid reaches the people who really need it. RI stresses the important value of the expertise and experience of Afghan NGOs, and also those international NGOs who have strong networks of Afghan staff. Many Afghan NGOs, including those headed by women, told RI that they were capable of managing projects themselves. They said they already had valuable experience at community level. They felt that with training and capacity building they would soon be able to operate to international standards. RI therefore urges that reconstruction be de-centralised, utilise Afghan skills and experience, and focus on community-based projects. They also recommend that NGOs work with communities to form advisory committees which include women as well as men. *[News Bulletin Ends, followed by music Sting 3-5 Secs]*
Voice A:	The lazy silence of the few quiet hours that always follow Iftaree was broken by the sound of firing on the 30th Day of Ramadan. (If wanted - actuality of firing sound gradually rises, Maintains and then gradually fade out. (Duration about three secs). The firing sounds continued for an hour.
Voice B:	And this is how the news of Eid was announced in Kabul.
Voice A:	In the morning Eid prayers were offered in different Mosques (Grand Mosques or Jame Masjids). All prayed for peace, unity and brotherhood. Hatred was condemned and love towards each other was praised.
Voice B:	After Eid prayers people greeted each other, and the celebrations started. Children had already come out on to the streets and playgrounds. They were wearing their new clothes.
Voice A:	Street sellers, selling food and soft drinks had opened their stalls, and in the playground the swings were erected.
Voice B:	As the day passed, the business was booming on the streets. "I am very glad today, I have already earned more than two hundred thousand Afghanis," said Akhtar Mohammad, a swing owner in the Microrian area of Kabul. He was charging (500) Afghanis per one full turn of swing per child.
Voice A:	Although adults, both males and females were much less in number than children, but one thing that was really noticeable, was the sound of very loud Music cassettes. Music centers were very much in evidence.
*(An actuality of bazaar with music sounds 5-10 Secs)*
Voice B:	"Availability always breeds demands. In the last few years the absolute ban on Music has created this situation of maximum demand," said Mr Mohammad Sarwar, an owner of a Music center, commenting on the booming music business in Kabul.
Voice A:	"There is more freedom now and that makes this Eid different from the previous ones," said a retired army officer (Retired colonel) Mr. A. Qayum Afzali.
Voice B:	And another citizen from Kabul, Sayed Tabaruk Shah Badakhshanee, said that since there is no fear of war, so people are mentally satisfied and enjoying their Eid celebrations.
Voice A:	"I really enjoyed it, after five years I had the opportunity of playing the chicken eggs game," said Ahmad Munir, a twenty-two year old Kabuli. "This is a game and a custom," he said, commenting on his favourite hobby and proudly looking at dozens of eggs lined up in front of him. He was sitting beside a boiled eggs seller, surrounded by young men of his age. "I know all different types of boiled eggs, I am a master of the game I have the knowledge, I know the tricks and I love it. No-one, absolutely no-one, can easily defeat me."
Voice B:	Jawad, a student from Ariana Afghan lycee, felt that for him the Eid was not being fully celebrated and the reason he had was: "Many citizens of Kabul have left the city because of recent fighting. They haven't returned yet. I am missing all those friends who I used to see during the past Eids. If they had returned then this Eid would have been wonderfully celebrated. At least it's more peaceful now".
Voice A:	Malalai, an educated Afghan lady said: "There are not many women out, and they don't show their faces. Because they are not really sure if it's safe yet."
Voice B:	But Farida, a ten-year-old girl said, "I am very happy this time, I can play with my friends without any fear".
Voice A:	Khodai Dad, a taxi driver, although complaining that "there are less people now in Kabul" but he was happy at the rising value of the Afghan currency, stating that so far he has earned well.
Voice B:	Ghulam Farooq, a city shopkeeper also reflected similar views. He said that the rising price of the Afghani has benefited him, because he purchased in Pakistani rupees, when the rupee was strong and now that the price of the Afghan currency has risen, he is selling it back in Afghanis.
Voice A:	On the second day of Eid, it rained. Although this affected Eid celebrations slightly, but still the music went on and the celebrations continued.
*(Rising slowly sound of Afghan Music, kept initially under presenter's Voice)*
Voice B:	Now, with our best wishes for this Eid and all the future Eids, we say good-bye to you.
Voice A:	Till next program, bye bye . . .
*(Rising Afghan Music also used as a closing sig).* End

Humanitarian Emergency Afghan Radio

HEAR Bulletin No. 4Friday, 21 Dec. 2001

HEAR Bulletin No. 4
Friday, 21 Dec. 2001