ARZU 2012 highlights

A weaver's hand, decorated in henna, runs through the loom.


The ARZU preschool class smiles for the camera in the Women's Community Center courtyard in Bamyan



The completed stage and bandstand in the newly constructed ARZU Community Field and Family Park in Bamyan. The Second Vice President of Afghanistan used this stage to speak to the Afghan people. (October 2012



ARZU weaver Firoza smiles while holding her son



Construction on the second ARZU Women's Community Center in Shashpul.



A young girl in ARZU's preschool asks her teacher a question during class




Two girls laugh together at the ARZU Garden Center playground.

Arzu, which means “hope” in Dari, is an innovative model of social entrepreneurship to help Afghan women weavers & their families break the cycle of poverty by providing them steady income & access to education. http://arzustudiohope.org/

Mission

ARZU STUDIO HOPE's mission is to create economic sustainability for global communities in need.

Company Overview

ARZU, which means “hope” in Dari, is an innovative model of social entrepreneurship that helps Afghan women weavers and their families break the cycle of poverty by providing them steady income and access to education and healthcare by sourcing and selling the rugs they weave. While structured as a 501(c)(3) in the United States and an international NGO in Afghanistan, ARZU operates as a “for-bene...fit” corporation, using private sector practices to create jobs in desperately poor rural villages where little opportunity exists.

Following its fifth anniversary in June 2009, ARZU evolved to grow as a more global brand called, ARZU STUDIO HOPE.

ARZU STUDIO HOPE continues to support a holistic approach to sustainable poverty alleviation achieved through artisan-based employment that empowers women. Women, earning fair labor wages, weave exquisite hand-knotted rugs at home. Innovative social benefit practices drive transformational change by providing grassroots access to vital education, healthcare, clean water and sustainable community development programs.

CNN Hero: Razia Jan - education for Afghan girls

CNN Hero:  Razia Jan



As Founder of Razia's Ray of Hope and Country Program Director of ARZU STUDIO HOPE, Razia is making strides to brighten the future for Afghan girls. We could not be more proud to know and work with this inspirational woman!

(taken from ARZU Studio Hope's update on Facebook)

ARZU community field and family park in Bamiyan

May 2012

ARZU Country Program Director, Razia Jan and Governor Habiba greet children at the Ground Breaking Ceremony for the Community Field & Family Park, May 2012.


 
Governor Habiba lays gifts down in the foundation at the Ground Breaking Ceremony for the Community Field & Family Park, May 2012

 Governor Habiba being interviewed at the Ground Breaking Ceremony for the Community Field & Family Park, May 2012


ARZU Country Program Director, Razia Jan, helps children lay gifts down in the foundation at the Ground Breaking Ceremony for the Community Field & Family Park, May 2012.

June 2012

 The initial gardening progress at the Community Field & Family Park, June 2012



 

 

 

July 2012

Updated progress on gardening at the Community Field & Family Park

 



 

 



 

 All photos taken from https://www.facebook.com/#!/arzustudiohope

This looks nice, I hope that people are able to enjoy it.  Is anyone in Bamiyan who can tell me if they have been here?  Does the general public have access to this park? 

ARZU Preschool in Bamyan

Here are some new photos of the ARZU preschool in Bamyan taken in November 2011. 

Country Program Director Razia Jan helps distribute coats to students in the ARZU preschool in preparation for the cold Afghan winter.



Preschool students and their mothers sit in a preschool classroom warmed by a briquette-fueled heater.
Briquette production as an alternative fuel source is one of ARZU's apprenticeship programs for Afghan women.




Students sit at their desks in a preschool classroom and enjoy snack time.
 


Preschool students sit at their desks surrounded by arts and crafts. Country Program Director Razia Jan pays a visit.


I got these from ARZU Studio Hope's facebook page. 

Also check out their website  http://www.arzustudiohope.org

Arzu studio hope - employment for Afghan women

Check out this website - http://www.arzustudiohope.org/home

They are a company that employs Afghan women to make rugs and carpets.  This provides an income and a 'ray of light' in a few lives.  You can buy the rugs in various places around the United States - that info is on the website. 





Photos of Afghanistan in the 60's and 70's - before the wars - click here. 

When Afghan women 'had fashion' - click here.