KANDAHAR TREASURE

• Ibu Foundation applied for and was awarded a $379,000 grant by the U.S. Department of State to uplift the artisans of KT through business and personal trainings, operational support, and access to expanded markets - $378,663.
• The purpose of the grant is to support Afghan women’s social and economic empowerment through promoting traditional Khamak embroidery and broadening their market opportunities - 
• Expand opportunities for Khamak embroidery products for national and international markets, including through building partnerships with U.S. organizations.
• Raise awareness on shared values like equal rights, educational opportunities for women and children, awareness of gender-based violence, and other topics not otherwise available to the project participants and their networks.
• Prepare female participants to be leaders in the future workforce by building and maintaining strong skill sets in embroidery and entrepreneurship

 

Update: In January 2022, 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. The presentation emphasized the importance of high-quality images to promote artwork, tell a story, and connect with an audience. The goal is to have the artisans take high-quality photographs that reflect the beauty and quality of what they create.