Sunrise helps in Afghanistan
Posted by Rob Goodell
on Oct 10, 2012
Alison MacLean, a Vancouver photojournalist who just returned from her fourth trip to Afghanistan, gave us an update on her adventures, the police women there, and the situation on the ground. She says she shot some great video footage for upcoming film projects and was able to distribute some protective gloves to women police cadets. The made-in-Canada gloves, purchased with part of the $8,000 raised by Sunrise and friends, were a hit and she will purchase many more, along with other protective items, to distribute on her next trip in late November.
As we all know, the Middle East exploded with violent demonstrations shortly after...
...Alison arrived in Kabul. This violence virtually shut down the city, forcing Alison to take a military transport flight to Kandahar. She also moved about the country in armoured vehicles and helicopters, always with the protection of US Marines or security forces from Belgium, France and other NATO countries. She found it reassuring to be travelling with "good-looking guys with guns" but, even so, it involved real risks for her safety. In addition to rocket attacks, there were incidents of children killing children (a 14-year-old suicide bomber killed himself and five other kids), a girl was shot because she was an outstanding student who thought everyone should be allowed to go to school, and a police woman was killed for doing her job. Sad situation.
On the other hand, Alison observed a number of good things happening, too. There are now 300,000 children attending school, a huge increase. There are about 1,000 women police, many of them performing administrative duties, but some on regular police work. Health care has been improved considerably and Alison visited some midwives there. New roads have been built and other infrastructure projects are underway. Alison has high praise for the vital security work being done by ISAF soldiers (the NATO security force).
We're pleased that Alison has returned safely and that our club's contribution to the safety of the brave women police cadets will be useful. On her November return trip, Alison hopes to complete filming for her film "Burkas to Bullets" which will be seen in many countries in 2013.
On the other hand, Alison observed a number of good things happening, too. There are now 300,000 children attending school, a huge increase. There are about 1,000 women police, many of them performing administrative duties, but some on regular police work. Health care has been improved considerably and Alison visited some midwives there. New roads have been built and other infrastructure projects are underway. Alison has high praise for the vital security work being done by ISAF soldiers (the NATO security force).
We're pleased that Alison has returned safely and that our club's contribution to the safety of the brave women police cadets will be useful. On her November return trip, Alison hopes to complete filming for her film "Burkas to Bullets" which will be seen in many countries in 2013.