| | Go fly a kite The Washington Times
05/31/2006
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The kite was a symbol of defiance in Afghanistan among many who hated the brutal Taliban regime, which declared the hobby a violation of Islam and severely punished those caught flying one.
In Washington, dedicated supporters of a free Afghanistan see the kite as a symbol of hope, especially for thousands of Afghan street children.
French Ambassador Jean-David Levitte hosted the annual kite gala at the French Embassy earlier this year to raise money for the Aschiana Foundation, which supports the homeless children.
"The cause of all children is sacred throughout the world, but Afghanistan is a special case," he said. "The country was destroyed by the Soviet military occupation and then by the rule of the Taliban."
Our correspondent Gail Scott reported that the ambassador also expressed pride in the French troops in Afghanistan, who are part of the NATO peacekeeping force. However, he added that all efforts will be futile unless Afghanistan can feed, shelter and educate the street children.
"Nothing will last unless we give the next generation, boys and girls, an education, and, first of all, hope," he said.
Afghan Ambassador Said Tayeb Jawad praised the guests for their help.
"We truly appreciate this support for education and for Afghan children," he said. "You are investing in education and our children, and this is the most important and valuable investment that Afghanistan and the international community can make in order to build a new Afghanistan and to strengthen a civil society there."
Marie Kux, who founded the U.S. wing of the foundation, said the foundation has helped up to 7,000 children in the past 10 years. Aschiana, which means "the nest" in Afghan, funds training centers and outreach programs in the capital, Kabul, and other cities.
"In aiding Aschiana, we, as individuals, are showing the power of compassion and awareness of our social responsibility, realizing we are all at risk if we do not help one another," she said.
First lady Laura Bush sent a message of support.
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