This is the phrasing for a small market / agricultural center being developed in a rural and isolated valley in Afghanistan. It is both an economic assistance program and a cultural and recreational center.

Bamyan Valley, possessing a rugged beauty unmatched by most of Afghanistan, remains one of the poorest and least developed areas in the country.

“It is a priority of Task Force Warrior and the New Zealand Provincial Reconstruction Team to bring more progress to the area,” said Capt. Eileen Stiffey, Task Force Warrior project purchasing officer.

At the request of the governor, a non-governmental organization agreed to create the Bamyan Woman’s and Family Park. Five acres of land encircled by an iron fence with large wooden doors on the majestic main entrance offers a welcoming park and economic catalyst for those living in the area.

Almost all of the 275 households surrounding the park earn their living as subsistence farmers, growing small quantities of wheat and potatoes. The nearest bazaar selling fruit, vegetables, and meat is more than eight miles away in Bamyan City. Due to a lack of cash and inaccessibility, locals rarely eat anything beyond bread, yogurt, rice and potatoes.

“Locals suffer the physical effects of a severely depleted diet and often are unable to afford medical care needed in relation to this poor diet,” said Capt. Katia Hayes, New Zealand PRT medical officer.

The Woman’s Park of Kabul, a similar project, opened several years ago and demonstrated the amazing potential gardening had with women and children for healing, restoration and joy.

“There is a horticultural training center at the Woman’s and Family Park,” said Stiffey, as she explained the added benefit of food production for the local population that are in need of nutritional improvements.

“The Commander’s Emergency Response Program donated over $167,000 for the park project,” said Stiffey.

The grand total for building the park was nearly $300,000. More funds are needed complete the project, which will include a teahouse, brick pizza oven, retail shops and horticultural training center.

“Two more phases to hire and recruit staff, gardeners, and kitchen guides for the park depend on gaining donors,” said New Zealand PRT Commander Col. Darryl Tracy.

Stiffey said local farmers are given horticultural starting plants to increase farming production.

Accessible fruits and vegetables, as well as community training in small scale gardening and cash-crop development, provide nutritional improvements and augment subsistence farming incomes.
The park project addresses multiple needs in the area and creates sustainable jobs in hospitality, tourism and horticulture.

“A large number of park employees will be widows or disabled,” said Stiffey, as she explained Bamyan has the world’s largest population of widows.

In one of the most heavily-mined countries in the world, Bamyan has a large population suffering from disabilities caused by mine explosions.

“The entire park is wheelchair accessible,” said Stiffey.

The park is designed to be self-supporting and self-sustaining within one year of park opening.

“The park is a project leading to more progress and development for Afghans in the area,” said Stiffey as she explained the park acts as a hub around which other business and services can develop.

DVIDS
By 1st Lt. Lory Stevens
Combined Joint Task Force - 101