Last year I pledged to donate 25% of profits from my art sales in August – December to School of Leadership, Afghanistan (SOLA).
A few years ago I was commissioned by a client to draw this coloured pencil portrait, Wakhan Girl. It features a young girl whom he had met and photographed whilst travelling in the Wakhan Corridor. There is something about this girl that spoke deeply to me, she and her fellow Afghans are often in my thoughts, and all the more so with such struggles over the last year.
When watching the recent changes unfold in Afghanistan with a heavy heart, and feeling helpless to affect any meaningful change, I realised that there was a small way I could hope to make some difference, and to show solidarity with a nation of people from here in the UK. This also gave me the opportunity to share news of SOLA with my small following, and to try to humanise the work that they are doing so many miles away.
I am delighted to say that with your support I donated £250, which thanks to match funding from a generous supporter of SOLA, was doubled to £500. To give you an idea of the impact, £500 can provide a whole year of meals for one girl. £500 can provide one year of books and supplies for two girls. And £500 can provide one year of health and hygiene care for five girls.
So from SOLA, the students, their families, and from me, I say a big thank you.
