Afghanistan Kite Appeal
We have received a request from a representative of the British Army in the PRT (Provisional Reconstruction Team) at Lashkar Gah in Afghanistan. The PRT advise the Afghan country and run huge reconstruction projects to improve the country's infrastructure. Whilst much of the PRT's work is done at government and local administration level, its members are always keen to find ways in which they can engage with the local population. To this end, one of the PRT team has contacted us to ask if we have any unwanted kites that they could donate to the Afghan Children.
Whatever our individual views on the war in Afghanistan, at an individual level British personnel, alongside the Afghan government troops they support, are taking risks daily that most of us would never contemplate in a lifetime. We believe that this is
deserving of considerable respect and that we should try and help their efforts with the local people. It seems that kites could be used as a vehicle of common interest to engage with the local population.
Therefore, wif you have any suitable kites (see below) that you would be willing to donate we would be happy to hear from you. We intend that BKFA acts as a co-ordinating body to get any donations together and arrange shipment.
The following information may be useful:
- single liners would probably be best, as there would be limited resources for giving two-line tuition (as you might suspect, our contact reports seeing only the type of fighters you would expect over there). Having said that, he says that the local people are incredibly resourceful and talented, so two liners (particularly small soft foils) might be an option. Framed sports kites might not be suitable because breakages would be difficult to repair.
- its all very well providing some kites, but they would also need some western style line to fly on! If anyone can provide line and winders that would be an added bonus!
- finally, please consider Islamic sensetivities with respect to decoration on the kites. In general, it is considered improper to represent images of people, animals, etc. If in doubt, please contact us and we can advise.
With regard to shipping to Afghanistan, we need to be a little careful not to overburden the aircraft flying in with priority stores. We are looking at the possibility of using the the BFPO system. Parcels up to certain weight can be shipped free of charge, so this could be an attractive option. We are awaiting details from our PRT contact and will publish further details here as they become available.
In the meantime, if you think you can help, please contact us and advise what you have to offer. We will co-ordinate things from there.
Thank you in anticipation from the PRT and the BKFA.