Farkhonda is Farmaz’s big sister (see below), she is from Afghanistan, she keeps a close and loving eye on her brother, both in public school and the RISSE after school. She is not as shy as Farmaz, she speaks up and has a lot personality. Several people at RISSE have told me she loves to sing, and has become an accomplished singer.

We try hard to encourage creativity as well as learning in the work we are doing with the refugee children. I purchased a Bonaok Wireless Microphone for her to record her singing and play it back, it cost $30. Creative tools are not toys to me, they are the keys to imagination and voice, they can change lives.

I’ll bring Farkhonda hers next week. We are making impossible dreams come true. For many of us, this is a small gift for our children, but it is something far beyond the rich of Farkhonda’s family. Thanks again. The Gus Fund, c/o Jon Katz, P.O. Box 205, Cambridge, N.Y., 12816. I asked if she will sing for us when she’s ready.