Newsletters

Kandahar Treasure’s Founder and Creative & Business Director, Rangina Hamidi, was recently featured on an episode of Karen’s Quilt Circle. Plus, Save the Date!

For the past three months, ten of our artisan women have been participating in a virtual photography, videography and visual storytelling training led by the talented Jane Bernard. Jane, a photojournalist with experience in and a heart for Afghanistan, led the artisan women on a journey through the core principles of photography, videography and storytelling, helping the artisans arrive at a place of increased competency and eagerness to continue practicing their skills. Through “homework” assignments between each session, in which the artisans were encouraged to put their new knowledge to the test, the women showed us glimpses into their lives as women of Afghanistan.

n International Women’s Day (March 8), we join the world in celebrating women’s social, economic, cultural and political achievements. This day also marks a call to action for accelerating women’s equality; its commemoration is a “rallying point to build support for women’s rights and participation in the political and economic arenas” (un.org).

Earlier this month, we hosted a Photography and Visual Storytelling training session led by Jane Bernard, a talented documentary, editorial, and commercial photographer. This training session was the first of three, made possible by the U.S. Department of State grant, and covered topics like how to hold a camera or phone for stability, choosing a background that complements, and utilizing “open shade” and light reflectors.

Earlier this month, we hosted a Photography and Visual Storytelling training session led by Jane Bernard, a talented documentary, editorial, and commercial photographer. This training session was the first of three, made possible by the U.S. Department of State grant, and covered topics like how to hold a camera or phone for stability, choosing a background that complements, and utilizing “open shade” and light reflectors.

Afghanistan is known for its production of the pomegranate (Anaar)–with agricultural, economic, spiritual, cultural and even medicinal value. The pomegranate is a universal symbol of the region, a fruit as rich in significance as it is in flavor.

Today, we are celebrating #GivingTuesday, joining millions worldwide in this global generosity movement that unleashes the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world. GivingTuesday was launched in 2012 with a simple idea: to create a day encouraging people to do good. Over the past eleven years, this idea has become a global movement that inspires millions to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity.

A sage Chinese proverb advises, “It is better to light a candle than curse the darkness.”

Despite overwhelming oppression, Afghan women continue to bring light to the dark days they find themselves in. Afghan women are pragmatic, tenacious, and creative as they continue to adjust to the new reality around them. Their genius is expressed in their courage and their will to continue to dream and invest in a future.

For centuries, Afghanistan has produced exquisite regional artworks, including rugs, pottery, and embroidery. The women of Southern Afghanistan have practiced and perfected one such art form, the rare and unique embroidery called khamak (pronounced kha-mahk). Girls learn this ancient art form at an early age and continue to practice it throughout their lives.

Dear friends,

2023 was a big year for Kandahar Treasure, and we cannot thank you enough for joining us on this journey during such an impactful time. Read on for a recap of the year and a quick look at what’s to come for our artisan women in 2024. We hope you will continue to support us in the year ahead!