A fond farewell to Afghanistan
After 15 months, the time has come for me to leave this beautiful country and return home to friends, family and (fingers crossed) a beautiful Spring back in London! As my time here draws to a close I can't help …
Francesca
A local solution for a national challenge
As those of you who follow my blog regularly will know, I've been working over the past year or so on a programme which delivers vital services to rural areas across Afghanistan. Many of these areas are just recovering from …
Herat: the pearl of Afghanistan
Herat is seen as the cultural capital of Afghanistan. It boasts a university, a growing economy, a thriving carpet and crafts industry, and is one of the more secure provinces in Afghanistan. Herat lies in the North West of Afghanistan, …
Reflections on the British Council attack
Many of you would have seen on the news recently that the British Council in Kabul was subject to a ferocious and deadly attack on 19 August. Luckily all international staff survived - a testament to the robust security measures …
Afghans determine their own future
The UK Government has been supporting an Afghan Government programme to deliver basic services, including water, health, justice and education, in recently secured areas. The programme operates nationally, but the UK has been supporting efforts in Helmand Province. The programme …
Afghanistan - one day your holiday destination?
Last week, as I was sat in the garden outside our accommodation, I saw for the first time a lunar eclipse – it was stunning. As the earth’s shadow slowly slipped across the silvery moon surface it was transformed into …
Local government comes to Kajaki
I was fortunate enough to join the UK Ambassador's visit to Kajaki – a remote and volatile district in Northern Helmand where the surrounding mountains contrast against blue skies and the crystal clear waters of Kajaki Lake. Many of you may have heard of …
Women’s voices coming forward in Afghanistan
I have just returned from another stint in Helmand. Whilst for many, Helmand might evoke images of warfare as seen through news reports back in the UK, I was left with an indelible impression of courage and fortitude as demonstrated …
A day in Helmand…
Recently I was in Helmand to help roll-out a programme on DFID's Bilateral Aid Review. As you might know from reading my last blog, my role here is to roll out key services for the Afghan population in the provinces, …
First impressions of Afghanistan
Hi – my name's Francesca, and I've just arrived in Afghanistan to work for DFID. Over the coming months, I want to share with you my thoughts on the country, on our work here and most importantly - what life is …
Recent Comments