KPRT stands by its Afghan neighbours and friends for the celebration of Eid-al-Fitr

By Captain Stéphanie Godin

On September 14, 2009, the Kandahar Provincial Reconstruction Team (KPRT) donated goods to 275 needy families living near Camp Nathan Smith as a goodwill gesture in preparation for Eid-al-Fitr.

Eid-al-Fitr, the Festival of Fast-Breaking, is a joyous three-day celebration that marks the end of Ramadan for Muslims all over the world. This year, it falls on September 20.

One of the pillars of Islam is zakat, meaning "to purify" and "to grow". It is expressed in the generous tradition of giving a portion of savings to ease the poverty of neighbours and friends. Many people give zakat during Ramadan. With that in mind, and in the tradition of giving gifts at Eid al-Fitr, the KPRT offered gifts to those members of the community who are the most in need.

“It was very important for us at Camp Nathan Smith to continue this tradition,” said Lieutenant Marc-André Blais, the civil-military cooperation (CIMIC) operator in charge of the project. “Eid is a time when families gather and celebrate their faith, which is very much like the way we celebrate Christmas back home.”

“As a wealthy neighbour, we wanted to show that we are pleased with all the cooperation we received from the families around our camp and so we are happy to be giving back to the community in this celebration of Eid,” said CIMIC operator Lt Colin Sinclair, who organized the actual distribution.

The KPRT’s CIMIC teams work continuously with community leaders to build relationships of trust. Through these relationships, 600 needy families were identified to receive this support: 275 in Kandahar City near Camp Nathan Smith, 200 in Zhari District and 125 in Panjwayi District. These families were invited specifically to ensure they can celebrate Eid with a little more than they would normally have.

“We selected everyday goods that would allow needier families to prepare for the Eid celebrations within their community,” said Lt Blais. Each family received a blanket, a 25‑kg bag of flour, a 5-kg bag of rice, a 5-kg bag of sugar, a 3-litre bottle of oil, two bottles of shampoo, and men’s and women’s shawls.