SOZO – TO HELP, TO HEAL, TO SAVE

WWW.SOZOINTERNATIONAL.ORG

SOZO INTERNATIONAL EMPOWERS THE MOST DISADVANTAGED INDIVIDUALS AND COMMUNITIES BY COORDINATING AND IMPLEMENTING TRANSFORMATIONAL DEVELOPMENT THROUGH HEALTHCARE, EDUCATION, AND ECONOMIC INITIATIVES.

HEALTHCARE

SOZO WORKS TO IMPLEMENT HEALTHCARE SOLUTIONS FOR COMMUNITIES IN SOME OF THE POOREST AND MOST MEDICALLY UNDERSERVED AREAS. BY FOCUSING NOT ONLY ON TREATMENT, BUT ON EDUCATION ABOUT HEALTH AND HYGIENE, AND PREVENTION OF DISEASE, SOZO WANTS TO HELP PEOPLE HELP THEMSELVES TO STAY HEALTHY.

EDUCATION

SOZO SUPPORTS EDUCATIONAL INITIATIVES THAT STRENGTHEN COMMUNITIES SUFFERING FROM A LACK OF EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY, INADEQUATE FACILITIES, AND LOW LEVELS OF LITERACY. OUR EDUCATIONAL PRIORITIES FOCUS ON SCHOOL SUPPORT.

ECONOMIC INITIATIVES

SOZO SUPPORTS WORK AND TRAINING PROGRAMS THAT ENABLE PEOPLE TO SUPPORT THEMSELVES. SOZO SUPPORTS SMALL BUSINESS START UPS THAT CREATE ECONOMIC ACTIVITY IN COMMUNITIES THAT ARE LACKING. SOZO ALSO PROVIDES JOBS OR NATIONALS WHO WANT TO ASSIST IN RELIEF AND DEVELOPMENT EFFORTS IN THEIR OWN COUNTRY.

SHORT-TERM TEAMS AND SOZO:

Sozo relies on corporate and individual partners to fund the relief and development work in Afghanistan. One of the best ways to share our vision for the people of Afghanistan is by going there with interested travelers. In addition, a key component to partnering with Sozo is building relationships with Afghans—and that happens one-on-one during trips in country. Partners discover how they can help Afghans re-build their lives, and also learn from people who have endured so much.

SOZO BOARD AND STAFF

Board of Directors

Cary Frame, Diane Cornwell, Doug Cobb, Jim Burgen, Olivia Kirtley, Ron Barnes, Suzie Snyder

Advisory Board

Dr. LeRoy Lawson, Dr. Paul Cedar, Steve Saint

Afghanistan Staff

Abdul Wakil, Afghanistan National Director

Mohammed Khan, Afghanistan Assistant National Director

Sozo also employs more than two dozen Afghan nationals to serve in the Sozo guesthouse in Kabul, to provide office support, transportation, security assistance and medical services.

U.S. Staff

Bob Drane, Director of Operations

Lesli Sweeney, Field Advocate

Carree Stewart, Community Development/Health Consultant

Rebecca Barnes, Communications Consultant

Susan Thieneman, Accountant

Long-term Team

Eric and Heather, Dave and Donna, Jody, and Ashley

ABOUT AFGHANISTANSize: Roughly the size of Texas

Terrain: Mountainous with large plains in the north and southwest

Population: 31 million

Literacy Rate: Men-43%; Women-13%

Agriculture: opium, wheat, fruits, nuts; wool, mutton, sheepskins, lambskins

Industries: small-scale production of textiles, soap, furniture, shoes, fertilizer, cement; hand woven carpets; natural gas, coal, copper

Average Annual Income: US$300-600

Ethnic groups: Pashtun 42%, Tajik 27%, Hazara 9%, Uzbek 9%, Aimak 4%, Turkmen 3%, Baloch 2%, other 4%

Religions: Sunni Muslim 80%, Shi'a Muslim 19%, other 1%

Languages: Afghan Persian or Dari (official) 50%, Pashto (official) 35%, Turkic languages (primarily Uzbek and Turkmen) 11%, 30 minor languages (primarily Balochi and Pashai) 4%, much bilingualism

People: The character of the Afghan people is exemplified by pride, bravery, hospitality, generosity, and loyalty. When invited to an Afghan home, a guest is treated with the utmost respect and honor. Afghans will share whatever they have with a friend.

CULTURAL CUESThe culture of Afghanistan is complex and includes many social cues that can often be overwhelming for a Westerner. While Afghans understand that we approach life differently, Sozo short-term teams should try to be culturally sensitive by adopting certain acceptable behaviors and avoiding other offensive actions while in country.

MODESTY - BOTH MEN AND WOMEN SHOULD REMEMBER MODESTY WHEN TRAVELING TO AFGHANISTAN. BOTH INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE GUESTHOUSE MODEST CLOTHING IS ESSENTIAL. MODESTY ALSO INCLUDES SITTING WITH LEGS TOGETHER FOR WOMEN. MEN MAY SQUAT OR SIT CROSS-LEGGED IF A LONG SHIRT OR COAT COVERS THE CROTCH.

MEN - NO SHORTS, BUT SHORT SLEEVES ARE OKAY. PANTS AND SHIRTS MUST BE WORN WHEN WALKING FROM BEDROOMS TO BATHROOMS AND WHILE IN COMMON AREAS.

WOMEN - COVER YOUR ARMS AND LEGS AT ALL TIMES WITH LOOSE FITTING CLOTHING. HIPS AND BUTTOCKS SHOULD ALSO BE COVERED BY A LONG TUNIC SHIRT, SKIRT OR JACKET. OUTSIDE THE GUESTHOUSE WOMEN MUST COVER THEIR HEADS WITH A SCARF THAT WRAPS LOOSELY AROUND THE NECK AND SHOULDERS AS WELL. WOMEN ARE VERY STYLISH WITH SHOES, MAKEUP AND HEAD COVERINGS, SO MODESTY DOES NOT MEAN FRUMPY.

Relating to people – Except for married couples, men and women should avoid being alone together. Outside the guest house women should avoid making eye contact with men or touching them. Loud laughing can also be frowned upon as it indicates a morally loose woman. Whispering is also considered rude. Wait for a private time and place to ask questions or make comments not intended for the entire group.

Men hold hands with one another as a sign of friendship in Afghanistan. Men also shake hands in greeting. Women should only shake a man’s hand if he offers it first. And do not make eye contact. It is also acceptable to hold the right hand over the heart and bow slightly in greeting. Men and women should not hold hands or touch each other in public—even married couples. Afghan couples are rarely affectionate in public. Most often men and women socialize in segregation.

Please take time to meet and talk with Sozo’s Afghan staff. They love to practice their English. Be sensitive to times when they may be busy. Please be sure not to promise them anything. There is no concept in Afghan culture of thinking aloud, dream casting or brainstorming. If you talk aloud of ideas it may be considered a commitment or promise, even if it is clearly stated that you are simply thinking out loud.

Faith Sensitivity – Guard your conversations, phone calls and emails by not mentioning names and by speaking in private about sensitive matters. Don’t bring sensitive materials into the country. Your own Bible is okay, but treat it with respect; don’t put it on the floor; as Muslims also value this book. When praying in common areas, be mindful that you are a guest in a Muslim culture. Keep your voices respectfully low. Also, be respectful and sensitive to our Muslim friends when they are in prayer. It is not uncommon to see them kneeling in a corner praying.

AFGHAN FOODEATING – A BREAD CALLED NAN, IS A STAPLE OF THE AFGHAN DIET. RICE, VEGETABLES AND FRUITS ARE ALSO EATEN OFTEN, AS IS LAMB. WHILE AFGHAN FOOD RESEMBLES INDIAN FOOD WITH VEGETABLES OR MEATS COOKED IN SAUCES AND SPICES AND SERVED WITH BREAD AND RICE, THE FOOD AT THE GUESTHOUSE IS NOT SPICY. HOT TEA IS POPULAR, AS ARE UNSWEETENED YOGURT AND SHISH KABOBS—WHICH ARE TRADITIONAL AFGHAN FOODS.

TRY TO USE YOUR RIGHT HAND FOR EATING, GESTURING OR GREETING SOMEONE. THE LEFT HAND IS ONLY USED FOR HYGIENE PURPOSES IN THIS CULTURE.

TEA AND CANDY, FRUIT OR OTHER FOOD IS OFTEN GIVEN BY A POLITE AFGHAN HOST. POLITE GUESTS TAKE IT AND DRINK IT. TEA IS MADE WITH BOILED WATER AND IS SAFE FOR DRINKING. WRAPPED SNACKS ARE ALSO SAFE TO EAT. FRUIT WITH PEELINGS IS SAFE ONCE PEELINGS HAVE BEEN REMOVED.

SOUVENIRSPictures – Photography etiquette suggests you ask people before you take their picture. This shows respect. In general, men should not take pictures of women. But every photographer should be sensitive about photos of women, as they are sensitive concerning their modesty. Photos that show a woman’s face are generally frowned upon. Afghan women who wear a burka in public do so because their families do not consent to show their faces in public. A photo of their face would be making that public and would be offensive.

In addition, while taking photos, avoid behavior likely to arouse suspicion. Do not take photos where restricted, such as pictures of military personnel and compounds, police and their installations or outposts, and airports.

Gift Giving - For safety’s sake, please DO NOT pass out candy, treats, or money to the children or adults on the streets. Do not pass out anything indiscriminately at refugee camps or in villages, or from a vehicle. Sozo’s staff in Afghanistan has a well-developed system for distributions that insures that we can meet the real, felt needs of people in communities where we work and hope to help grow into self-sustaining areas.

If you wish to give a Sozo staff person something, please give it through the Afghan National Director, who will know the best way to handle the situation. In

Afghan culture, if you make a close friendship with someone it is culturally appropriate to ask him or her for things. Don’t be surprised or offended if after a couple of weeks, when it seems you are bonding well with someone, he or she asks you for something, even something big. Don’t feel obligated.

Money - The official currency of Afghanistan is the Afghani. Sozo staff can handle exchanging money and may be called upon to help in bartering for your shopping. Team leaders usually handle payments and arrangements for team members for everything except food during airport travel and souvenirs.

STAYING HEALTHY

Sozo International supports the immunization recommendations of the Center for Disease Control http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinationAfghanistan.aspx. Consult your physician or your local International Travel Clinic at least 4–6 weeks before your trip to allow time for shots to take effect. Your healthcare provider can help you determine which vaccinations are currently recommended for travelers to Afghanistan and their cost. Vaccinations are not included in the price of the trip. Depending on your insurance coverage, plan to pay $10-600 out of pocket.

Malaria is common in Afghanistan from April to December. All of our project sites are below 6,000 ft. altitude. Please consult

your primary care physician about the risks of malaria and using a malaria prophylaxis medication like Malarone. Note: Chloroquine is NOT an effective anti-malarial drug in Afghanistan and should not be taken to prevent malaria in this region. You may also want to bring medicine for traveler's diarrhea, like Ciproflaxin; consult your physician. In addition, good hand washing, staying hydrated and minimizing sun exposure will reduce health risks. Especially in the summer months, wear loose-fitting, light-colored cotton or linen to stay cool outside. In case of extreme illness or injury Sozo uses the Cure International Hospital in Kabul. Prescription and over-the-counter medicines are available in Kabul, but quality-control is low.

SAFETY

Afghanistan is a war zone. Remember to follow the guidelines in this guide and those given to you by Sozo staff and volunteers who will accompany you on your trip and while you are in country.

Safety begins with how you pack. You can help avoid becoming a target by wearing simple, inexpensive clothes and leaving expensive-looking jewelry at home. Don’t carry a lot of cash and plan to conceal what you do have. One of the safest places to carry valuables is in a pouch or money belt worn under your clothing. Pack an extra set of passport photos along with a photocopy of your passport’s information page to make replacement of your passport easier

in the event it is lost or stolen. Pack the copy in a place separate from where you carry the original. Bring any medicines you need in your carry-on luggage. To avoid problems when passing through customs, keep medicines in their original, labeled containers. Bring copies of your prescriptions and the generic names for the drugs.

Leave behind:

•valuable or expensive-looking jewelry

•irreplaceable family objects

•all unnecessary credit cards

•your Social Security card, library card, and similar items you may routinely carry in your wallet.

Leave a copy of your itinerary with family or friends at home in case they need to contact you in an emergency. Make a photocopy of your passport identification page, airline itinerary, driver's license and the credit cards that you plan to bring with you. Leave this photocopy with family or friends at home.

Women should never be outside the guesthouse grounds without men accompanying them. All team members will be escorted outside the guesthouse by Sozo drivers, armed guards and translators. At all times, trust the judgment of the guides and staff of Sozo in Afghanistan and follow their instructions. Sozo staff is experienced and professional and will make decisions to ensure your safety and comfort. If there is

danger, follow the instructions of the Sozo staff. Do not argue or second-guess their directions. Avoid conversations in public or in common rooms in the guesthouse about topics that may arouse suspicion. Group discussions and debriefing times should be held behind closed doors. Do not use the names or photos of Sozo’s long-term team members in any publications or correspondence. Avoid behavior likely to arouse suspicion, but try to enjoy your trip and be yourself.

GUESTHOUSESozo’s guesthouse offers community, or dormitory style, accommodations. Sheets and blankets are provided. Communal meals each day are served on a regular schedule. Guests share bathrooms. Towels are provided. No toiletries are available.

Laundry service - A limited amount of laundry may be set outside your door in the morning and staff will clean it by hand.

WiFi - The guesthouse has wireless Internet access. A communal computer is also available free of

charge. Skype software users can telephone via the Internet free to other Skype users or cheap to landlines and cell phones around the world.

Telephone access – A telephone is available for limited long-distance calls.

RULES1. Remove shoes.

Inside the house you should wear slippers or flip flops. Stocking or bare feet are acceptable for men and women, but they may get dirty, cold or wet. Rubber flip-flops are recommended for use in bathrooms as the floors are often wet.

1. Conserve water.

Take quick “military showers.” Get wet, turn off the water, soap up, rinse off. If there is no water, please turn off taps so it won’t be wasted or flood the bathroom when it comes back on.

2. Don’t drink the water.

Don’t even brush your teeth with the tap water. Use bottled water.

3. Don’t flush the paper.

Paper should be disposed of in the baskets, which are emptied by housekeeping regularly and often. Wrap trash and personal hygiene items first before disposing of them.

4. Keep rooms tidy.

Keep your guest room tidy and store valuables out of sight. Rooms are usually left unlocked.

PACKING LISTCLOTHING:

MEN

__long- or short-sleeve shirts__pants and/or jeans__sweatshirt/light jacket for spring/summer eves__sleepwear appropriate for communal living__heavy coat, gloves, hat for winter

__slippers or thick socks for guesthouse__flip flops for shower__hat for sun__comfortable walking shoes (Keep in mind the dust and mud.)

WOMEN

__loose-fitting clothes that cover arms, legs and butt.__jeans and pants may be worn under long tunics that do not gap in the front or back. __skirts, dresses or jumpers to be worn with pants underneath.__modest sleepwear.__large scarves to cover your head, neck and shoulders.__a scarf in your carry-on bag to cover your head upon arrival in Kabul__slippers or thick socks for guesthouse__flip flops for shower.__comfortable walking shoes, (Keep in mind dust and mud.)

TOILETRIES AND MEDICINES

__sunscreen__personal prescriptions in original packaging with your name visible__pain Relievers, like Tylenol, and sleep aids__insect Repellent (April – December), CDC recommends 30-50% DEET__hand sanitizer or wipes, 60% alcohol__contact lenses and solution__personal toiletries: Tissues, Shampoo, Toothbrush/Toothpaste, feminine hygiene__see “Staying Healthy” recommendations for malaria and traveler’s diarrhea medicines__some people find individual Gatorade packets and protein bars helpful

OTHER

__passport with visa__trip itinerary __cash for incidentals__money belt __journal, pens, notebook

__Bible, books __ear plugs, neck pillow__Snacks, gum and mints__camera and accessories__batteries

__converter: 220V, 15Hz.__ travel alarm clock__Day Pack__medical equipment and clothing if applicable

DARI LANGUAGE GREETINGS:

Salam! ("peace") is the Dari way of saying "hello", to which the response is

simply salam! This greeting, which means "peace on you", is also used for the

other greetings of the day. An extension of this becomes the more traditional

Muslim greeting Asalamu alaykum! ("peace on you") to which the formal

response is Alaykum asalam ("[and] on you peace!")

DARI PHRASES

Chetor Hasten? How are you?

Khoob Astam. I am well.

Naam-e-mast. My name is ____________.

Naam-e-shoma cheest? What is your name?

Baleh Yes

Neh No

Lutfan Please

Tashakor Thank you

Bubakhshen I am sorry or excuse me

Tushna astam. I am thirsty.

Gushna astam. I am hungry.

Chand ast? How much is it?

SOZO COMMUNITIESISTALIF, AFGHANISTAN

Who: Some 15,000 people have returned to this rural area.

What: Istalif became one of the Taliban’s targets in July, 1999. They burned most homes and destroyed property and agriculture before they were defeated in December, 2001.

When: Sozo arrived in July, 2002.

Where: Istalif is 30 miles north of the capital city of Kabul.

Why: Massive destruction in this area left thousands homeless, without basic necessities, suffering from illnesses and disease, and a lack of resources for education.

How: Sozo began with relief, offering mobile medical clinics, food and clothing distributions. Sozo met with Istalif leaders and developed a plan to stem the outbreak of a disfiguring skin disease, called Leishmaniasis. Sozo helped establish a network of volunteer Community Health Workers (CHW) and a medical clinic for the area. Sozo also began providing supplies and support for some of the area’s schools.

SOZO COMMUNITIESSHAKA DARA, AFGHANISTAN

Who: Some 32,500 Afghans live in the rural areas and villages of the Shaka Dara district.

What: After seeing the work Sozo did with healthcare in Istalif, a commission of the Afghanistan Ministry of Public Health sought our help in Shaka Dara.

When: In August, 2005, Sozo began to bring supplies and staff for the basic health services in this impoverished area.

Where: Shaka Dara is north of the city of Kabul about 15 miles.

Why: Healthcare for rural Afghanistan is a great need. Mother and baby care, along with treatment and prevention programs that include health education are critical.

How: Sozo operates two basic health centers in the villages of Behzadi and Qale Marudbek. Following the successful model of Community Development Education (CDE) that was implemented in Istalif, Sozo is interested in transforming these communities not only through healthcare, but through education and economic initiatives that address the needs of the people.

SOZO COMMUNITIESBAREK AUB, AFGHANISTAN

Who: About 600 refugee families, also known as Internally Displaced People (IDPs), live in Barek Aub.

What: These people were relocated from Kabul by the Afghan government, dropped in a wasteland with no permanent shelter, water, food or opportunities to support themselves.

When: Barek Aub began in May, 2007, as a desert camp for IDPs.

Where: The community is 90 minutes northeast of Kabul on 2,000 acres of isolated desert wasteland in the southeast corner of the Qarabagh District.

Why: The relocation resulted from the 2005 Presidential Land Distribution Act and the overcrowding in Kabul, where returnees continue to stream in from insecure rural areas and neighboring countries.

How: Along with distributing relief including food, clothing, blankets, coal, and school supplies, Sozo began to develop basic infrastructure to sustain the area as a community. Sozo’s first major project in the camp was to create a complete water supply system. Sozo also completed construction of a medical clinic, supplied with staff and medicine, and a school, supplied with uniforms for the children and transportation for teachers from Kabul.

SOZO COMMUNITIESKABUL, AFGHANISTAN SCHOOL

Who: Orphans and street children who work as laborers or beggars in Kabul.

What: These children have missed years of schooling due to war and relocation, or their street work.

When: Sozo’s work with Aschiana Schools began in May, 2005 with military volunteers from the coalition forces in Kabul. Then a new school, the Hopeful Hearts School, opened in the spring of 2009, to serve more students.

Where: The capital city of Kabul.

Why: Some 37,000 street children work as laborers or beggars in the streets of Kabul. Education is a pressing need in a country where literacy rates are less than 30 percent and where the average adult has spent fewer than two years in school. Education for girls especially has been hampered through the tyranny of the Taliban over the past decade.

How: Sozo provides the facility; lunch for the children; as well as shoes, coats and school supplies.