Wednesday, December 06, 2006
A co-operative store is opening in Kabul
Steve and Najib and the other men taking a tea break.
After this we decided to hire professionals.
What color paint on the walls?
What merchandise?
What is the logo?
Is it a good idea to hire a relative as a manager?
What merchandise zones?
Can we build shelves and cabinets?
How much will that sign cost?
1 or 2 fitting rooms?
Curtains or no curtains on the windows?
How are we going to hang those shelves?
Where is the charger for the drill?
Are men allowed to join the co-operative?
Do we need a tea area?
Can we build ottomans?
And cover them with fabric?
Do we need to hire a carpenter?
And finally despite best efforts . . .
Do we need to hire a painter?
Endless questions and lots of decisions.
Pam has immediately adapted and has made amazing progress in a short time . . .so comfortable and at ease in this environment and with the Bpeace associates. Kate and she had a wonderful day helping 10 of the associates who have formed themselves into RKA (Rangeen Kaman Artisians) reach big decisions with their new co-operative store. Equally wonderful to watch the discussions among the associates.
Steve and Najib spent the day "doing man's work" . . .painting and moving heavy things. Sent back to store as they brought home unsatisfactory paint color. Same everywhere in the world. Women loved it!
Adoringly,
Ellen Lubin-Sherman
But in this case, I am thrilled to be watching REAL paint dry through these photos. Oh my gosh, 10 UNRELATED Afghan women partnering for their very own retail store--who would have thunk that when Bpeace brought them together, this would have happened.
And like Marla, I laughed and cried too. Thank you all.
--Toni
<< Home