Mary Reid

I'm very happy to promote an event in Kingston on 7th June in aid of Afghan Action. To quote from the organisers:

For one night only Central Asia comes to Kingston in the form of a display and sale of unique, traditional, hand-made Afghan carpets, proceeds of which go towards running Afghan Action, a unique charity providing training in carpet weaving skills for young people in war-torn Kabul.   Anyone who lives, works or shops in Kingston will be welcome at the Sale to be held at Kingston United Reformed Church on Thursday 7^th June from 7 -10pm.

So if you want to support a Fair Trade initiative, and fancy a new rug go along.  This is what Chris Beales, the Chief Executive of Afghan Action says:

"All our rugs are made under fair-trade conditions - our trainees and staff enjoy fair wages, a nourishing midday meal, free medical care and safe working conditions.

Our charity is the only one in Afghanistan that trains and employs uneducated and unemployed young people in weaving beautiful, handmade carpets. We also teach them numeracy and literacy skills - the first time many of the young people have had any formal education.  The Charity funds the training and education scheme by selling carpets made by trainees and workers to individuals and organisations in the West."