This submission was completed by Larry Sundram on behalf of RC Bonsall and RC Vista Clubs with the approval of the Club Presidents and the International Service Chairs of both clubs.
Dr. Bahauddin Baha is the eldest son in a family of 7 sisters and 2 brothers, 5 of whom are half blind. Because of this he developed a desire to help others in need by becoming a medical doctor. Due to the wars and the Taliban, he has lived in 11 different locations in both Pakistan and Afghanistan. Baha worked with OP Mercy, a Swedish NGO as a book promoter in Nangrahar to introduce a culture of reading and critical thinking among Afghan youth. He was also a language and cultural advisor to the expatriate staff of Asian Rural Life Development Organization Afghanistan, and has translated unpublished poetry for the Nangrahar Poetry Project through SIL International to give a voice to the marginalized communities on a national and international level.
Currently, Bahauddin is coordinating and translating teleconferences between Teamcare USA and Nangrahar Public Health Hospital to assist in the education of Afghan doctors, and he has assisted in emergency preparedness workshops for Alliance Solution Group Inc.
Despite the personal safety concerns in Afghanistan, Bahauddin is now almost finished with his medical degree. The institute he is studying at will give him credentials, but he still needs practical application skills to become a good doctor. Unfortunately, many of these skills are not currently part of the curriculum at his university.
Through the Rotary network he has found, applied for, and has been accepted for internship in India. He can now complete his education but he needs funding. The Bonsall and Vista Rotary Clubs are assisting him in this effort with a District Grant for $4,000. The balance will come from his own funds, funds that he can raise, and a stipend from the institution where he will work.
The following items have been uploaded onto this web site: airline ticket to India, Visa to India, Budget, appointment, references, etc.
Due potential stewardship issues, Fary Moini of the La Jolla Golden Triangle Rotary Club has agreed to provide oversight for this District Grant. Fary has previously met Bahaudin and endorses our application for this assistance.
Upon approval of the grant, the District will send $1,000 in DDF to each Club. The club will add its $1,000 contribution and issue a $2,000 check made out to "San Diego/Jalalabad Sister Cities Foundation. Larry Sundram will pick up the check and ensure that the finds are wired to Afghan Youth Connect. Dr. Baha will obtain the funds from him.
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