The city of San Diego has many sister cities and one of them is Jalalabad, Afghanistan. As a new San Diegan, this was brought to my attention by San Diego-Jalalabad activist David Edick Jr. It appears that through this organization much good has come about with active citizens participating from both cities. Here is the group’s Vision Statement:
The citizens of San Diego, California, USA, and Jalalabad, Nangarhar, Afghanistan, desiring friendship and goodwill, agree to collaborate for the mutual benefit of their communities by exploring educational, cultural, humanitarian and economic opportunities. Citizens, educational and healthcare institutions, businesses, and civic organizations in both San Diego and Jalalabad support this Sister City relationship.
San Diegans want to foster enhanced reconstruction opportunities for the residents of Jalalabad in these and other regards, while continuing to respect and learn Afghanistan’s rich culture and traditions, heritage and national identity.
Unity between and within the communities of San Diego and Jalalabad will be strengthened through personal contact, and through cooperation, trust, tolerance, participation and esteem. It is in each citizen’s best interest to understand and value the unique culture, needs, and dreams of the residents of other countries in the world. Our shared goal is peace, prosperity, stability and justice.
The Sister City partnership was preceded by the work of the San Diego Rotary Club and the Doyle Elementary School’s partnership with Najmul Jahad Rotary School in Jalalabad. Along with these two groups, the Sister City program has been strengthened by dedicated individuals such as David Warner, a public health expert, and institutions like the San Diego State University and Global Connections and Exchange.
San Diego Committee
The promotion of education seems to be the central aspect of the San Diego-Jalalabad partnership and some real gains have been made. The
story of Mohibullah Israr is just one example of the partnership’s impact. He left his family and friends in Jalalabad to earn his Masters at San Diego State and learn English and it is the great hope that people like Israr can bring back their experiences and expertise to lead their Jalalabad communities in a positive direction.
Jalalabad's Committee
Here are some examples of the good works happening between San Diego-Jalalabad:
Steve Brown’s Rotary – Afghanistan Projects and Activities
Jalalabad’s Fab Lab – Technology and Engineering Skills
David Warner’s Humanitarian Efforts – Great pictures
Global Connections and Exchange Program
The great and selfless work by these Californians and the resiliency and hope of Jalalabad’s citizens is truly inspiring. Mr. Obama, I recommend you invite people like David Edick Jr., David Warner, and Mohibullah Israr to your next State of the Union address.
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