eLIT quilt raises funds for Kabul Center
Eric Trepanier, WG'03
Issue date: 10/28/02 Section: News
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The event opened with a standup comedy routine by Dan Kim. The comedian told stories that only an Asian could tell and be politically correct. In his dual role as master of ceremonies, Mr. Kim introduced the next piece: "Tarana", in which Pallabi Chakravorti performed a delightful classical dance from north and east India.
The next act was a dramatic change of pace with Bina Sharif presenting an excerpt from her play "Afghan Women." In "Burka," Ms. Sharif plays an Afghan woman who describes her life before, during, and after the Taliban rule. The audience was speechless when faced with the brutal realities of this woman's life. In "Asians Misbehavin," the act that followed, the "struggling Asian women" theme continued with monologues from Korean and Indian women describing their struggles both in their home societies as well as in the US. These performances demonstrated the large need for assistance for minority women, thereby lending further support for eLIT's plans to open a center in Kabul.
Safia Rizvi WG'03 then provided us with more background on the organization that she found-ed in 2001 when she opened its first center in West Philadelphia. Since then, other centers were opened in Pakistan and India, and two others are under development in Afghanistan and a Pakistani refugee camp. As part of the presentation, a video was shown from a recent trip to Kabul where eLIT assessed the need for such a project. The images of local women expressing their desire to learn about computers were truly inspiring. One could easily see how such interactions would motivate individuals to pursue such worthwhile causes. Just before the intermission, Janice Price, CEO of the Kimmel Center of Performing Arts, gave a keynote address describing her experience in the non-profit world and praising eLIT for their work.
After a brief intermission, several items ranging from artwork to a "day at the spa" were auctioned to the audience. This was followed by a poetry reading by Mytli Jagannathan and the final act of the evening was another dance by Pallabi Chakravorty and her group called the Courtyard Dancers. This captivating piece called "Threads" depicted the making of the Sari, a long piece of fabric worn by Indian women, and its transformation from a traditional piece of clothing used exclusively in India to an expensive commodity of feminine desire in international markets.
Asian American Quilt, eLIT's first annual fundraiser, provided an interesting blend of classical dance and thought-provoking theatre. All proceeds from the evening will be used to open the new center in Afghanistan and allow eLIT to expand its quest to empower women all over the world.
eLIT provides free basic computer training to socially and economically challenged women in the US, Pakistan, India, and shortly in Afghanistan. Donations can be made, or more information is available online, at www.elitonline.org or by telephone at 215-476-5523.