Fatma Wakil
Community Development Coordinator, Turquoise Mountain, The Built Environment
I came to Turquoise Mountain in October 2007 and joined the Community Development team as an assistant. I was born in Afghanistan, but grew up in the Netherlands. I came back here because I wanted to help my country and learn more about where I am from and the lives of ordinary Afghans.
My role at Turquoise Mountain engages me directly in the community of Murad Khane, an old part of Kabul. Throughout its history it has been forgotten and marginalised. We want to change this. At the moment I am doing an oral history survey on the lives of artisans and elderly people in the area. We are hoping to get a better understanding of the community, its past and the community’s needs.
I am also coordinating an education programme in Murad Khane. This includes a literacy programme for women, a public school for children and after-school activities. I feel like we are making a difference to people’s lives, helping to restore pride and hope to the area.
