Afghan Amity Society, Inc. (“AAS”) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit public benefit corporation engaged in educational, cultural and public health (hospitals and nutrition) development projects in Afghanistan. AAS was founded by Sadiq Tawfiq, a U.S. citizen and Laguna Beach, CA, business owner who emigrated from Afghanistan just ahead of the Soviet invasion in 1980. As a way to give something back to his shattered homeland, AAS was formed to harness the talent, compassion and generosity of private citizens, businesses and organizations in the U.S. and around the world to help improve the quality of life and economic prospects of the people of Afghanistan – and especially the education and health of women and children. With financing from Mr. Tawfiq and the support of generous individual and corporate donors, AAS has established in Herat, Afghanistan, the co-ed Phoenix Learning and Cultural Center, the Women and Girls Education Center, the Herat School for the Blind and a Rotary Club (an official member of Rotary International).
Why a Mulberry Leaf?
The mulberry tree has been significant for Afghanistan over the ages, and for Herat in particular. The tree, which flourishes throughout the province, grows strong, bears delicious and nourishing fruit, and produces fresh leaves that provide a critical source of food for the silkworm, which contributes to the beautiful carpets and handcrafted fabrics for which the region is known. Herat is situated in a “fruitful” valley along the Hari River, and this notion of fertility embodies our effort to bring a renewed sense of hope through access to education and trustworthy medical services.
Importantly, the logo incorporates a seedling in the shape of a heart at its base. This symbolizes our intent to grow the simple idea of improving the quality of life for Afghans into a fully formed healthcare facility and teaching hospital. It also symbolizes the hearts of AAS members, who by committing their own to this project are helping spread the vines of compassion into communities the clinic will serve, and to the hearts of potential supporters. If you look closely, you’ll also notice the symbolic element of a moon – not entirely a crescent, not entirely full, but a loose interpretation of Islam that honors local tradition without religious position or political bias. Finally, the colors adopt several variations of green, representing the vital role of diversity, which enables the collective heart of our world to continually grow.
If you’ll notice, too, the shape of Afghanistan looks like a mulberry leaf.
