These are selected photos taken over a span of about a month. Our sub-office has completed the execution of its downsizing plan. What once was an office buzzing with activity is now a quiet office. All around I see scenes that would remind me of the offices' glorious past. Some of them makes me feel nostalgic as it makes me recollect the happy times in the past. Some scenes present to me an "in your face" reminder of the present condition of the sub-office (the sad present) and surprisingly there are scenes that somehow encourage me to believe in the inherent capacity of the organization to stand up again. Some scenes somehow moves me to hope for a better future. After office hours and sometimes over the weekend, I would go around the office and guesthouse and try to capture these scenes.
Empty Offices
What used to be busy offices are, for the meantime silent. It will only be a matter of time when these offices will be filled-up again.
Barely Standing
The predicament of the two tables, for me, symbolizes the present condition of the sub-office. We are still standing but barely. Instead of four legs, we are down to two but somehow we still manage to stand through sheer determination and creativity.
Metal Boxes
Boxes like these are common place in Afghanistan. For me these boxes symbolizes the perennial "Hellos & Goodbyes," "Comings and Goings," "Arriving & Leaving." Staff, colleagues, friends come and go and so does projects and programs.
No Cook, No Cleaner
As an effect of the downsizing, we had to let go of our cook and cleaner.
Mighty Land Cruisers
Through snow, dust, mud, mountain trails, rough road or highways, these Land Cruisers have served us well. For me they are symbols of reliability and mobility. The Land Cruisers too remind me of our hardworking and dedicated drivers who unfortunately, we had to let go. They have been to me, not only drivers but companions, interpreters, cook, & friends.
Literacy Books
To supplement the reintegration package provided to former combatants, literacy classes were provided in four provinces in the Western Region. This program has now been turned-over to the Department of Literacy.
Empty Chairs
If these chairs could only speak, it would tell the tale of thousands of Afghan former combatants, persons with disabilities, former underage combatants and Afghan women who, flocked to the office to sit patiently to learn how to read, write and count, learn how to run a small business, or learn a new vocational skill.
Silent Room
Its mighty quiet here now.
Complete set of photos can be found in http://jllanderal.multiply.com
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