In 2016 and 2018 I was able teach permaculture to most of them and then maintain contact with some as they developed their own projects, so catching up in Mertola was a rich and happy experience. It was also challenging.

The young people some of whom had been 16 or 17 years old at the time are now responsible mature young adults. They worked right through a searing drought over the Portuguese summers. They learned and continue to learn Portuguese, they joined the local soccer club and childcare groups. They belong to the library. They shop locally and are known and liked by local people.  They are seriously considering their futures – making them very thoughtful.

I had several provocative conversations with Ali about being a refugee and he is profoundly grateful for the opportunities ahead of him and will profit from them and so will Portugal. (I wished Australia had been foresighted enough to see what a gift they would be for this country.)  He said, “I am fortunate now to live in a peaceful country but my country Afghanistan should be peaceful and prosperous too”. I found this truthful and sad.

 A permaculture design course was held as part of their program, and it was also attended by people from Germany, Colombia, Hong Kong, Brazil and France with the young Afghans. It was heart-gladdening to see them converse in English, participate in group activities, dance and sing together on an equal basis.

 They had matured socially and emotionally since we last met in Kabul and I could see how supporting them had also developed special qualities. As we discussed their futures, they mentioned how reaching safety and having opportunities only strengthened their desire to assist in bringing peace and hope to Afghanistan.  One comment was:

 “I learned that I have a community larger than me, than us, seeking to have the same common future: of hope, peace and fair share!”