Team Donates Goats to Afghan Camp

by Erich F. Muehleisen

CHAWKAY, Afghanistan, Jan. 24, 2005 — Members of the Asadabad Provincial Reconstruction Team donated 50 goats to Chawkay Repatriated Afghan Camp in Kunar Province Jan. 19.

The goats were presented to the camp residents for the camp’s celebration of the Islamic religious holiday, Eid Al-Adha.

The goat distribution will provide much-needed food for the residents during the holiday since many of the residents do not have jobs and can’t afford to buy meat.

During discussions with village elders, an elder named Turjan declared, “The true enemies of Afghanistan are the people who interfere with progress. Everyone knows the Coalition is here to bring security and progress to Afghanistan.”

An additional 20 goats were purchased for distribution to mosques in Asadabad. The goats were purchased from the Gudjer Tribes living in the mountains surrounding the Asadabad area.

During the years of conflict in Afghanistan before the Coalition arrived in 2001, many Afghans migrated to other countries to avoid war and bloodshed. A majority of the refugees moved just across the border into Pakistan.

With the restructuring and stabilization of the new Afghan government, many of these refugees have begun to return to their homeland in search of their cultural roots. Kunar Province is just a few miles from the Pakistan border and an important center of returnee activity.

Chawkay, located about 30 kilometers south of the Provincial Center of Asadabad in Kunar Province, is home to one of these camps.

The population of the camp consists of 211 families, totaling more than 1,500 residents. The camp is managed by Mohammed Hanif who estimates the camp size will increase 10-15 families each month.

“The numbers of people (families) will grow very quickly when the spring comes,” Mohammed said.

With the expected growth, the Provincial Reconstruction Team plans to provide a number services to the camp ranging from a water distribution plan, repairing the Mosque, developing a vocational training program and various humanitarian aid and medical services.