Featured Artisans

GUL BAKHT, 35, whose name means lucky flower in Dari, is from the Shahidan district of Bamyan province, Afghanistan. Like many Afghans, Gul Bakht and her family were forced to leave their home during Taliban rule and resettled as refugees for three years. Upon returning to their village, they found their home and belongings burned and destroyed. The family relocated to the Dragon Valley of Bamyan for a better life. Gul Bakht soon learned about ARZU and joined a group of Peace Cord® bracelet weavers. She is now one of the most talented weavers and is able to earn a steady income. She supports her husband and children with the money she earns and has gained their respect and admiration. Gul Bakht hopes to continue working with ARZU for a long time to secure a safe and stable life for herself and her family.

TAHIRA, 36, is originally from the Yakowlang district of Bamyan, but moved to the Dragon Valley with her family, including six children, to escape the Taliban rule. Tahira and her family had to travel eighty miles by foot to their new home in Behsood, a district of Maidan. Tahira’s father-in-law was killed and their house and belongings destroyed by the Taliban. Not long after, Tahira learned of ARZU. “I heard from my neighbor about ARZU’s programs for women and joined,” she says. Tahira earns a steady income weaving Peace Cord® bracelets, and her family also benefits from ARZU’s education and health care programs.

HAWAGAL, 27, was born in Qarghanto, Bamyan province, but has lived in the Dragon Valley for eight years. Like many families, she escaped Taliban rule and moved to the Maidan province of Behsood. When her family returned to their city, they found their home burned and all of their belongings gone. Hawagal found a new life in the Dragon Valley after hearing about ARZU from her sisters, who are rug weavers for the organization. “I am so happy when I go to the ARZU women’s community center to [weave Peace Cord^® bracelets]. I am in level 1 of ARZU’s literacy class,” she says with pride. She adds, “When I get married, I will have my own job and be able to provide for my necessities. I thank ARZU for their assistance and hope to continue with them for a long time.”