My dear friends,
As 2018 draws to an end, I remember my friends and remind myself of all my blessings.
It was such a joy to see old and new friends celebrate our 20th Anniversary at the Gala Dinner in February. Because of your kind support, this year has been another great year and will be remembered for building a new orphanage, our Hope House in Badakhshan.
I was in Afghanistan from June to October this year, the longest period in many years. Secure travel between the Provinces proved more difficult than the past. Some roads are very dangerous and the Taliban are becoming more powerful. Explosions and suicide bombers were so numerous while I was there, especially during the elections. A bomb exploded quite close to me one day and I am still recovering from the experience and the toxins that I inhaled. The politics there is beyond me!
But our work continues as we give comfort and shelter to the orphans, feed the widows and educate the girls. There is so much need and these are the things I am focused on.
While there, I could not help but compare our projects to the international NGOs that deliver assistance in Afghanistan. They mean well, but they waste so much money, it makes me angry. Mahboba’s Promise has an amazing ability to deliver projects at a fraction of the cost with minimum administration fees. We are usually given reduced local rates because we are a charity and there are no middle men filling their pockets. Very often people offer their services free of charge; our project manager in Badakhshan is a good example. I am really proud of this fact and want to thank all my staff and volunteers who punch above their weight to make our projects such a success.
I thank God every day for his blessings and pray for good health so I have the energy to do his work. There is so much work needed to fight poverty and lift people’s lives.
I thank you all again for your kindness and beg for your continued support.
May God bless you and keep you safe.
Mahboba Rawi
Founder and President
Mahboba’s Promise
