This was an email update sent on August 1, 2021
Dearest MEPO friends,
We know that you join us in feeling very worried about the situation in Afghanistan. We wish to give you a quick update on the situation with the Garden of Flowers in Kabul:
While the news from the provinces is dire and worsening, in Kabul things are stable. The staff tells us that it is life as usual. The main issue at this point is an influx of people streaming into Kabul for safety. This has resulted in rapidly increasing prices and worsening traffic. Internet is also difficult at times, since towers in outlying areas are sometimes targeted.
But the teachers say that the children and their families are fine and life is going on. We are absolutely hoping for the best, that Afghanistan will somehow find a solution out of the pending crisis. We have, however, discussed with our staff the importance of being prepared for whatever could happen and having a Plan B of how MEPO will operate if the situation deteriorates. For example, we have asked them to watch for any families that may need extra help from MEPO, such as food assistance, etc. Our Plan B, if it came to that, would thus involve supporting families and children and running homeschools, returning to the same work that MEPO did in Afghanistan 22 years ago (2000-2002) when the Taliban were still in power. Needless to say, we are fervently hoping this does not happen, but we are ready to do whatever we have to do.
We have found it impossible to sit on the sidelines watching, however. Out of desperation, we have written a letter to the International Criminal Court calling for the issuance of arrest warrants for Taliban leaders. If you feel you would also like to make your voice heard at the ICC, or if you even have any other legal action ideas, perhaps you also may wish to consider writing something.
But for now, the days at the Montessori Garden of Flowers continue to pass cheerfully and joyfully with the children. On the recent holiday of Eid al Adha, the teachers took them out for ice cream. The children wore their nicest clothes and walked excitedly hand-in-hand down the street. This made adults along the way smile, and they told the children how nice they looked. Moments like these are heartening, to remember that life does go on and children offer us reminders of resilience and joy in the moment.
Let us hold hands to protect the vulnerable.
Mostafa and Allison and MEPO