KANDAHAR, Afghanistan — Excitement, curiosity, pride and nervousness were some of the emotions expressed on the faces of the 1000 girls in Kandahar City when they met the Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) soldiers and judges who would determine winners of the city's arts and crafts competition.
The final competition was held on December 27 at Zaghrona Ana High School. Afterwards, the impressive artwork was sold at a bazaar held at Camp Nathan Smith and at the Kandahar Airfield. Organized by women of the PRT, purpose of the fundraiser was to buy school supplies and equipment for the schools taking part.
Approximately $7000.00 USD was raised by this activity.
The idea of an arts and crafts competition featuring girls' artwork was first developed by PRT Canadian soldiers. As these young women have an important role to play in the future of Afghanistan, female PRT soldiers gathered together to identify an activity that would showcase their talents and importance all the while respecting their culture. Considering that girls had a limited role in the Taliban, such a project was challenging.
The competition consisted of two categories: beaded jewellery and embroidered scarves. The girls showed their unmatchable talent and demonstrated that they were only limited by their own imagination. Indeed, Canadian soldiers posted in Kandahar viewed very high quality work.
On December 10, 1000 young ladies from ten schools in Kandahar City commenced their creations of traditional Afghan artwork to be submitted for the first District Art Competition. The participants competed in three different age groups: under 13, 14 and 15, and 16 to 20.
Accompanied by their principals, the finalists from each school met at Zaghrona Ana High School for the final competition. It was a day of excitement and celebration, as the girls had put so much effort into their projects. Eighteen winners were announced by the judges, three from each age group for every artwork category.
Not only did the girls help improve the learning conditions of their respective school but they also showed their uniqueness and their talent to a wide audience. By their work, they demonstrated that they can make a difference and contribute to a more secure, stable and educated Afghanistan.
Article by Captains Kerri-Ann Iwanonkiw and François Giroux
Photos by Sergeant Jerry Kean
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