Attached are pictures from a kite-flying event that occurred in Zhari just recently. 3/10MTN asked if Spirit of America could help procure these kites . Kite flying in this area of the world has been occurring for many centuries and thus is inherent in the combined culture of the Afghan people.

A young boy getting ready to fly his brand new kite

Unfortunately, like many sources of joy for the Afghan people, like music and art, kite-flying was also banned by the Taliban in the late-1990's when they rose to power. The kites seen here are locally-made, from centuries of practice and reached heights surpassing even those of the helicopters providing security.

Afghan and US Forces working together to assemble kites

More events like these are planned for the future, and with Spirit of America's help, hopefully they will be just as successful in showing the people of Zhari district just how far their home has come from the violence that once reigned.

Boys and girls ready to test out their new kites

Mike Press
Afghanistan Field Rep.