UPDATE: Central Asia Institute's Statement on the Attack on Hamid Karzai International Airport in Afghanistan
Central Asia Institute is deeply shocked and saddened by the monstrous and unconscionable attack earlier today on the Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul. We wish to express our sincerest sympathies for the families of U.S. service members and Afghan nationals whose loved ones were killed or gravely injured in the attack.
At this dark time, our thoughts and prayers are with all Afghan people. Words cannot express our concern for their safety and welfare. Our hearts are with Afghan women and girls as they face an uncertain future. We are grateful for the brave members of the U.S. armed forces who are working to evacuate American citizens and those who are most at risk.
We reaffirm our commitment to stand with the people of Afghanistan and provide support as long as we are able to do so. At present, we are mobilizing emergency aid to meet the urgent needs of women, children, and families who have been caught up in this unfolding humanitarian crisis.
As always, we remain extremely grateful for your ongoing compassion and support.
In solidarity,
The Central Asia Institute Team
For additional updates on the situation in Afghanistan visit our main blog page.
12 responses to “Update-Attack on Hamid Karzai International Airport”
I have been a long time supporter and contributor to CAI. In view of the alarming turn of event in Afghanistan,
wat is happening to the many schools which CAI has founded? My heart goes out to the girls and women in that area.
Dear Elroy,
Thank you for your longtime support and for your kind words of support. We are so grateful! Currently, many schools are closed due to security concerns and we are unsure what life (and education) will look like under Taliban rule. However, the Taliban leadership has spoken out in support of girls’ education. We hope they remain true to their word. Yet, they have also imposed certain restrictions, like girls must be educated by female teachers or only up until a certain age. So far, communities have been able to move forward with classes being held in homes or community buildings. These classes are low-profile and have small numbers. We are monitoring the situation closely and looking for ways to continue to advance education as the situation develops. Please reach out if you have any additional questions. We are always happy to share what we know.
Sincerely,
Hannah Denys
This is a time to remember CSI’s slogan “seeds of hope.” How about summarizing how many schools have been supported by CSI in Afghanistan, and how many girls have benefited from CSI’s presence in Afghanistan? My sense is this is going one of the most lasting investments in the country’s future — even if those schools were all shut down — even if there are hard years ahead.
Hi Jon,
I completely agree. Despite all of the terrible news coming out of Afghanistan, there have been many successes over the years. There is a new educated generation now and they are fighting for their rights and their futures. While keeping an eye on the situation as it evolves, it’s important not to lose sight of what we’ve accomplished in the past.
I hope the US government will support your ongoing commitment during this difficult transition. Hopefully the schools will continue their goal of providing for their students. We will be watching the news carefully. A peaceful transfer of power with respect for everyone. 🥰
Thank you, Kay! We will be watching the news carefully and continue checking in with our Afghan partners on a regular basis. We hope that education for all students will be able to move forward and that peace will come sooner rather than later. Thank you for being on this journey with us!
Can you be specific, if not exact. How many schools in Afghanistan? How many students? How many girls?
Hi Jon,
Absolutely. I don’t have the overall numbers in front of me at the moment. But last year alone, we served more than 200,000 Afghans. More than 23,000 were students – 70% of whom were girls. Almost 1,300 women participated in literacy and vocational training programs. And a dozen schools were renovated. While the number of people served varies year by year, you can imagine what the overall picture would look like when you add it up over the 20 years that CAI has been in Afghanistan. We’re hoping to send out additional updates that will speak to exactly what you’re talking about – the impact CAI has had over the years and why that matters so much right now (and moving forward). Keep your eyes open for those!
Have a wonderful day!
I was reading the ‘cup of tea’ book while Taliban movement took city of Afghanistan one by one.
The book filled with hope for the future crashes into today reality.
I wish someday there will be enough amount of educated people in central Asia so Taliban will slowly come to the end.
Your work is now more important then ever. I believe you will find your way through all difficulties which may stand on the way. I believe all the things that CAI have done so far is extremely important. Good luck and keep going.
Thank you for your words of encouragement. Our staff and our friends in Afghanistan appreciate them. You said it perfectly. If there are enough educated people, ignorance and conflict don’t stand a chance. We will fight for as long as we can to make sure our Afghan friends have the knowledge and the skills they need to find a way through these difficult times.
Along with a donation I just sent by mail, I want to send my words of encouragement to you in this difficult time. The women and girls of Afghanistan need CAI more than ever. I am hopeful that you will be able to continue your work as everything calms down.
Carol, thank you so much for your words of encouragement and for your contribution. Your kindness over the last 14 years has been extraordinary. We’re so grateful to have you as part of the CAI family.