Maj. Kevin Brophy, the Padre (Chaplain) for the New Zealand Provincial Reconstruction Team, swings with a little girl during a visit to her orphanage May 26. The New Zealand PRT brought and assembled bunk beds for the orphanage, and gave out clothing and toys to the kids. (Photo by U.S. Army Pfc. Roy Mercon, Task Force Wolverine Public Affairs)

The Maori people of New Zealand have a saying: “he tangata, he tangata, he tangata,” or, literally “the people, the people, the people.” In Bamyan, Afghanistan, New Zealand Army Maj. Kevin P. Brophy can’t keep the phrase out of his mind.

The Padre of the New Zealand Provincial Reconstruction Team has a natural need to help people, as is expected of all chaplains. A resident of Taranaki, New Zealand, Brophy’s main job is to facilitate the emotional and spiritual needs of the coalition forces at Kiwi Base, located in the capital district of the province.

When not providing services for Kiwi, American or Singaporean Soldiers, Brophy has one major concern on his plate: a small orphanage, which he took under his wing with the help of Coalition Forces.

“It’s not like our arms are pulled here,” said Brophy, “But, one look at the kids, and it becomes impossible to look the other way.”

Brophy made the Samir Samad orphanage, which services around 65 displaced kids, his pet project while he completes his six-month tour of duty here. He and the NZPRT visited the orphanage on several occasions to bring the orphans much needed supplies. In this most recent visit, the Kiwis, with the help of the American Embedded Training Team brought bunk beds, clothing and toys to the kids.

When the Kiwis came to the school, driving up-armored SUVs, the kids dropped everything they were doing and ran out to greet them. Most were in school, which brought a scolding from the teachers. What mattered more than school to the orphans were the potential surprises the NZPRT was bringing today.

The older children assisted the Kiwis who unloaded the pieces needed to construct the beds. The younger kids ran around the Soldiers involved with other tasks; some Soldiers being pulled by small hands to various parts of the orphanage. One child excitedly pointed at his home country on a map, then pointed to New Zealand, showing where he was, and where his help had come from.

With the help of the older kids, the Kiwis and the Americans built only one bunk-bed outside the orphanage. This was a classic example of the ‘give a man a fish, and he will have food for a day. But teach a man to fish, and he will have food forever’ doctrine that Brophy likes to use during his work in Bamyan. The orphanage learned how to build their own beds, allowing for future repairs and construction without the help of Coalition Forces.

With one child clinging to the Padre with tears in his eyes, begging the man not to go, the NZPRT and the American ETT waved good-bye to the children. Their job was done this day. But this will not be the last time the Kiwis and U.S. Forces will grace the orphanage with their presence. A major kitchen-remodeling project is in the works, and an exposed wire burial project is in the near future.

The Padre put it best when he said that it isn’t the missions or patrols that one goes on that he remembers the most. It’s the people, the people, the people.

CJTF-82
Written by U.S. Army Pfc. Roy Mercon
Task Force Wolverine Public Affairs

Band-e-Amir lakes national park in Afghanistan

Many people were on hand as Bamyan Governor Habbiba Sarobi hosted the grand opening for the first national park in Afghanistan, Band-e Amir lakes, June 18.

Guests and dignitaries from the U.S. Embassy, as well as government officials from throughout Afghanistan, gathered at the Band-e-Amir lakes natural dam to cut the ribbon symbolizing the opening of Afghanistan’s first national park and reserve.

“This inauguration symbolizes a turning point in our history and future,” Sarobi said. “We should recognize this moment as a realization of not only the natural beauty, but of the significance of its promise for the future of our area.”

Among those in attendance were U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan, Karl Eikenberry, who was making his first trip to Bamyan, and CJTF-82 deputy commanding general of support, Army Brig. Gen. William Mayville, who mentioned the area’s natural beauty and tranquillity.

“This place is so serene, and truly a marvel to look at,” Mayville said.

The lakes form a unique attraction in the mountainous Bamyan region. Formed by glacier water nearly 400 feet in depth, they give the appearance of being cut from the stone that forms the mountains around them.

After a presentation from the officials at the ceremony, guests of the inauguration were treated to rides on paddle boats and a meal prepared on site.

“This has been a day that I will long remember, as a look toward the future of our country,” said Second Vice President of Afghanistan, Kareem Khalili.” The air, the pure water and the true peace of this place is something that everyone should be able to enjoy,” he said.

Governor Sarobi spoke optimistically about the future of the national park and how new roads built by the New Zealand Provincial Reconstruction Team and Task Force Warrior will provide access to the natural park and its many resources.

“Everyone should be able to experience this, and I hope that the roads are completed soon so that we can share this wonderful sight with all the citizens of Afghanistan,” Sarobi said.

CJTF-82
Written by Army Sgt. Sean C. Finch
Task Force Warrior Public Affairs Office

A new healthcare training facility is set to open this month in Bamyan province, Afghanistan, to improve medical treatment for people living in the area.

The Singapore armed forces, who provided most of the funding and know-how for the project, alongside with the New Zealand Provincial Reconstruction Team and Task Force Warrior, assisted in reconstruction and development in Bamyan province.

“The Regional Health Training Center will house administrative offices for the ministry of public health, as well as provide several classrooms for community education,” said Singapore armed forces Lt. Col. James Tan.

When the project began in May, construction was delayed over land disputes at the site location. An individual would visit the project site and intimidate local contractors to stop working. Tan said the provincial governor had the person arrested, but when he was released the man returned to the site to continue threats.

“The issue was resolved after we utilized rule of law, letting provincial authorities deal with concerns and compensation,” Tan said.

The Singapore team learned not to take things for granted in Afghanistan. Standards and techniques, power supply and the skill level of workers require unique considerations and flexibility.

“It has been interesting and eye opening,” Tan remarked about the project management and work with the local work force.

As a result, teaching and mentoring became a focus out of necessity at the project site, said an engineer from the Singapore armed forces.

“In order to ensure the completion of a quality building, we used the project site as a live classroom to broaden their [30 local laborers] exposure to better construction practices,” said the engineer.

He said it was important to show the local Afghans superior ways of mixing mortar and laying brick. One day the workers mixed cement on the ground allowing twigs and rocks in the composition, claiming the cement mixer caused headaches. Also, there was no standard for the mixing of materials.

“Teaching the concept of selecting the same amount of materials each time, such as one pail of water to mix with two shovels of cement, ensures a consistent composition and better method of construction,” the engineer said.

Better planning and the need to prioritize work emerged as issues requiring more attention. The engineer said every building in Bamyan is constructed to be self-sufficient, and in order to have a building that will stand long term, there needs to be a plan for central water, power and sewage. He also stressed the importance of prioritizing work.

“There needs to be a plan for water before building the road, and workers need to wire electricity before finishing the drywall,” said the engineer.

Overall, the Afghans did take to heart the teachings of the Singapore armed forces. Tan said he feels fortunate to have a good contractor to work with, and the locals do attempt to employ the better construction practices.

“The Bamyan Regional Health Training Center offers a location to build the capacity of healthcare in the area,” Tan said, “and working alongside Afghans during the project builds the capacity of local workers as they incorporate our teachings into their operating culture.”

DVIDS
By 1st Lt. Lory Stevens
U.S. Forces Afghanistan

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.

A Soldier from the New Zealand Provincial Reconstruction Team stands guard while Capt. Eileen Stiffey, Task Force Warrior project purchasing officer, and John Weckera political advisor to the New Zealand PRT, await access into the Woman’s and Family Park in Bamyan province, Sept. 25, 2008.

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.

Guests are amazed at the beauty and details of the construction in the perimeter walls, greenhouse and training rooms located on the grounds of the Woman’s and Family Park in Bamyan. A talented Turkish architect gave it antique touches, creating a beautiful park for women and families to enjoy after 25 years of war in Afghanistan.

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