Page 36

for the building of this first ideal community centre and the first houses have already been constructed, in co-operation with the government, which has provided part of the funds on loan. The villagers themselves are very active in community work and have taken part in the building work, made generous donations to the value of over 901,954 Afghanis and generally assisted the community development project. Community centre councils to aquaint local elders with the objectives of community development are being encouraged. The first of these councils, which was opened in January, 1960, in Sayedkhel has proved very popular. The United Nations and its specialised agencies such as the I.L.O., F.A.O., W.H.O., U.N.E.S.C.O. and U.N.I.C.E.F. have assisted the Community Development Project in many ways. The United Nations Technical Assistance Board in Afghanistan has provided $15,000 worth of foreign implements and books and another $15,000 will be allocated soon. It has also arranged foreign tours for officials of the Project and granted fellowships for members of the staff to study abroad. One of these tours has been co-sponsored by the Asia Foundation. The U.N.I.C.E.F. has provided $55,000 to help supply preventive and curative medicine, as well as providing soap, vitamins, condensed milk, and $92,000 have been allocated in the 1960-61 budget for various units. The I.L.O. provided $8,000 for the purchase and installation of leather works machinery. The Asia Foundation has also played an important part in furthering the aims and objectives of the community development project by providing $38,600 and 306,897 Afghanis. A village scene in Nooristan. 33