THE PAST THREE YEARS
During the three years in which Afghan Training Foundation and Afghan Action has been operating as a social enterprise in Kabul, much has happened. We have trained 350 young men and women in carpet weaving and provided them and our staff with education, on-site healthcare and a nourishing midday meal.
By August 2008 we were employing over 150 people as weavers, most of them our own ‘graduates', making orders for Habitat, The Rug Company, Hill & Co and others (which have been very well received). We have supplied several retailers around the country, including The Nomads Tent, Carleton Lord and Red Fox Gallery.
And we've held over 80 events around the UK - in people's homes, churches, businesses, the Canadian Embassy and the House of Commons - to speak about the work and sell the beautiful handmade carpets which so many of you now have.
CONSEQUENCES OF THE ECONOMIC DOWNTURN
We are all affected by the global economic downturn. In Afghanistan, this is having devastating consequences. Jobs, businesses and international markets are vital for the future of this fragile country, where Taliban incursions are increasing and the Government is struggling to hold the country together.
No amount of military involvement or increased security can suffice if people can't earn a decent living. But we know of a prominent carpet company which has stopped production on 2,000 looms and some experts say that Afghanistan's carpet industry is in severe crisis. Afghan Action has seen raw material and energy costs increase by double digit percentages in real terms. The US dollar, in which all local costs - and therefore virtually all of our costs - are denominated, has jumped against the British pound. And, of course, depressed consumer spending has dramatically suppressed demand for handmade carpets.
The result of all of this is as follows: we have had to take some very difficult decisions in order to manage our cash flow. Afghan Action is still solvent and has cash reserves to cover all borrowings - but we are at the limit and have insufficient working capital to sustain anything approaching full factory production.
While we are trying to raise the funding needed to continue and expand our work, we have temporarily had to suspend much of our activities in Kabul until new working capital is in place to restart training and manufacture. We have retained a small number of key staff and trainees on site and aim to expand that number as soon as we can.
The implications for the individuals who rely on us for income to support their families, or for their only hot meal each day, are profound. I speak for everyone in Afghan Action when I say that we are determined to reduce the time of this cutback of activities to an absolute minimum.
WHAT WE'RE DOING
We are pursuing all sorts of income generating, fundraising and cost reduction initiatives. Already one trust has responded generously with its second donation within 12 months. We pester our government and others constantly and have just completed yet more application forms for support. But we are not the only people suffering - and it is really tough.
The Board of Afghan Action has worked closely with our workers and volunteers and has agreed a target of £30,000 working capital before committing to a new phase of training and development. This will be raised by selling current carpet stocks and attracting sponsorship and donations.
You reading this can help by sponsoring a trainee or buying a carpet. Visitwww.afghanaction.com
We are absolutely committed to continue giving young people in Kabul the skills to earn money from hand-weaving carpets of the very highest quality - whilst growing their numeracy, literacy and other skills in a safe, healthy and positive environment. This is a matter of urgency.
We're working hard to raise the funds needed and are delighted to have Sir Sherard Cowper-Coles, British Ambassador to Afghanistan, giving a lecture on Wednesday 25 March at the Royal Geographical Society.
This is kindly sponsored by McInroy and Wood and all the proceeds will go to the Afghan Training Foundation. We started selling tickets last week and already they're going fast - so get in touch soon if you want to come! See www.afghanaction.com for this and other events including upcoming fire sales.
AND FINALLY…
We need to raise at least £30,000 in the next three months - and that means turning our stocks into cash as soon as possible in order to reinvest. We have in stock just under 100 carpets from between one and four square metres in size and more will be coming over from Kabul shortly.
They're on sale in London, Dorset, Somerset and Edinburgh. They will soon be available to view on the internet - and we'll be offering some beautiful carpets at mouthwatering prices for our friends and supporters which can be made to order with whatever design you want.
We are determined to overcome this difficult period and continue our good work and with your help we will.
Find out more at www.afghanaction.com
