Like Clay fans everywhere, I have been busy reading about Clay's recent trip to Afghanistan, as a UNICEF USA Goodwill Ambassador in Education. The story broke for me through this article on Clay's Daily Double, as usual my first source of news on OMC.
We have known for some time that Clay would be leaving this spring for another UNICEF-sponsored trip, but we did not know where nor when. Tears came to my eyes when I learned of the destination of this last visit - tears of worry for his safety and tears of pride in the commitment shown by Clay to human rights and to ensuring access to education for children the world over. Then I learned that Clay was actually home by the time we had the news - for safety reasons, it wasn't leaked earlier - so that was a relief.
So that explains why Clay has been reading at least two Afghanistan-based novels in the past year - he has probably known for some time that he would be heading there, and wanted to get a taste of life in that country, the history and socio-political situation. Knowing Clay, I'm sure he read non-fiction as well to prepare: books, articles and other sources of information on the history and people of Afghanistan.
UNICEF put out a press release two days ago, in which they let us know of Clay's work in Afghanistan over the previous week. And if you want to know all the details, this press release provides a detailed account of Clay's activities and his thoughts on education in Afghanistan today.
One thing I find fascinating, and which remains with me after reading the interview with Clay which was included in this release, is the positive take Clay shows on what he saw in Afghanistan. He tells us that a lot of good work is being done, communities are getting involved in breaking down barriers and girls are now going to school in numbers unlike what had been seen over the past 20 years - although girls are still at a great disadvantage with regards to education, Clay notes. He describes the beauty of the country and the Afghan people, and his amazement to witness the joy Afghan children and adults have for learning - which Clay contrasts to feelings western kids have about school! Clay is such an incredible young man; he makes a challenging journey, seeks out and finds the strength and beauty in humankind and focuses on that, rather than on the pain and the divisions between people. He knows that the mass media focus on the latter. So Clay looks to build on people's abilities, and share what he has seen with us in North American, rather than have a paternalistic attitude of "oh, those poor people in Afghanistan, everything is bleak, there is no hope, etc. etc.", as some are wont to do.
Upon his return and through UNICEF, Clay has challenged us all to participate, by contributing to the Clay Aiken Afghanistan Appeal: $100,000 in 10 days! When I first read about that appeal, I immediately thought: no way - that much money in just 10 days? Then a half-second after that, I thought: who am I kidding? We're talking about Claymates here - we are generous, and loyal to Clay! We will make him reach that goal, and perhaps more.
Here we are, just a couple of days later, and Clay has already reached 90% of that goal!! Wonderful news. Check out the campaign thermometer here, to see where things are at right now.
Have you made a contribution? It can be for any amount above $10 (for an Internet donation) and here is where to go to contribute:
- if you are in Canada, you want to answer Clay's UNICEF appeal by going here
- if you are in the USA, you can go to this page to make a donation
I hope you will all contribute, even if we help Clay reach the 100% goal by tomorrow! Funds are always needed for educational projects in Afghanistan, and it would be great if by the end of the 10-day period, Clay could say that he reached 200% of his goal!
-- ClayKat
p.s. from April 16, 2007 - check out Clay's field notes from his Afghanistan trip, on UNICEF USA's blog
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