Building Up Afghanistan

Today, efforts are being made in Afghanistan to build up the country, with a special emphasis on constructing more much needed educational centers. Hamed Wardak is an Afghan-American who has been seeking to improve conditions for the people of Afghanistan for many years. Local land owners - in conjunction with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) – banded together to create an additional five school buildings for the country’s southwestern province of Nimroz. UNICEF donated $350,000 to the project. What this means for those children who will be direct beneficiaries of this project is being able to study in a building, rather than a tent. The schools will be available for both boys and girls.

Hamed Wardak and Great Afghanistan Developments

Hamed Wardak seeks to improve the quality of life for the people of Afghanistan. He is the founding vice president of the Afghan-American Chamber of Commerce and works hard to “generate local employment” in the region. The latest construction in Afghanistan in the Gusfandi and Sancharak districts of the country’s northern province of Sar-e-Pol will make a great asset to Afghanistan.

The most recent construction to hit this region in Afghanistan comprises a staggering 27 water pump wells; 2 water reservoirs; 18 km of road; 41 small bridges; 500 m of supportive walls against flash foods and 2 flour mills. In addition to this, a program for the use of 19 women for tailor training was developed in the same area. What is great about all these projects is that around 5,000 families in Afghanistan will be able to benefit from them.

Afghanistan’s Economy and Hamed Wardak

According to the World Bank, things are looking up for the economy of Afghanistan. Individuals such as Hamed Wardak, who work continuously toward the betterment of the quality of life for the people of Afghanistan, would be very happy to hear this news. For example, there has been an escalation of GDP between 2009-10, higher than ever since 2003, at a record 22.5%. As well, domestic revenues during the same time frame increased a staggering 53% from 2008-09. The production of wheat almost doubled compared to the last five years, and mining is booming. What will also please Afghan activists like Hamed Wardak and the Afghanistanian people is that inflation in the country is extremely low.

Afghanistan’s Economic Future and Hamed Wardak

Of course, current news on Afghanistan’s economy is all well and good, but those working for the continued betterment of the country want to know what the future looks like. Thankfully, the World Bank predicts that Afghanistan’s economic future looks bright too. GDP for 2010-11 is predicted to be just over 8% and inflation, just under 5% even though disinflation seems to be at a halt. As well, the boom in mining will continue and cereal production prospects look good. So this kind of news is great for the people of Afghanistan, and for activists such as Hamed Wardak.

Afghanistan-American Meeting

On Tuesday, May 11th, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton opened key talks with Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai at the White House. While the two nations have had recent disputes, Clinton emphasized that the United States is committed to helping Afghanistan and that they will continue to support Afghanistan long after U.S. combat troops have withdrawn from the region. This is certainly positive news for Afghan-American leaders like Hamed Wardak and the many others who have been pressing for improved relations between the two nations.

President Obama is expected to meet with President Karzai today, Wednesday, May 12th, to continue the talks.