Dear Dr. Valdov, Patrick and Ildiko,

If you saw the impact you have had on the youth (and young at heart) attending the Assembly you would have to shade your eyes from the brightness of hope.

One of the great opportunities was the chance for the youth to hear more about Afghanistan. 

It is not often, if ever, Afghanistan gets to present herself in a positive light through her good people who have dreams, hopes and visions and you have allowed this to happen. 

As you know there is always a ripple effect to the smile, to the gesture and to the touch. The ripple event of your invitation to the DM - to speak at the Assembly, of your respect for the situation and your time for the Deputy Minister to share the voice of youth of Afghanistan - we will never know. But there is a ripple and it is good. Goodness rewards goodness. 

We applaud you for your good work. We applaud you for the genuine people you are and that you believe in others. 

Dear Dr. Valdov, what an example you are to all of us. Patrick you have energy for all and Ildiko they really need to clone you!! 

We ended with a beautiful song from you Dr. Valdov and it is truly amazing grace to be alive.

On behalf of the Deputy Minister Taimoor Shah Es-haq zai and Mr. Zazai, I send heartfelt thanks to you.

With deep respect, 
Paulette

Paulette Schatz
Project Manager
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) 
National Youth Programme
Kabul - Afghanistan