Zabi is building a better Afghanistan
Posted on 12. Nov, 2010 by Rena Fried in 1. Afghanistan, Bpeace Blog
Zabi is extremely well rounded–he runs his family’s business, has a medical degree and is a champion boxer. He proves his love of boxing by pushing his cartilage-free nose all the way down to his face. He laughs when he does this and you know he is recalling the incident with utter glee.
When Zabi isn’t in the ring, he is busy building community projects in Mazar, Afghanistan–including schools, clinics and government buildings. Zabi’s family construction company, JAC, focuses on these projects because he understands that rebuilding the physical structures in Afghanistan is essential to rebuilding the country and sustaining peace.
Most of Zabi’s U.S. time during the Bpeace Apprentice Road Trip (BART) was spent at CCI Construction in Montvale, New Jersey visiting their diverse job sites and completed buildings. The team at CCI said that Zabi has a solid understanding of his business, from drafting proposals to executing his plans. There were lots of discussions around the differences in construction planning, working with sub-contractors, and of course building materials and techniques. As a true techy, Zabi was thrilled to have the chance to learn how to use Microsoft Project Manager.
Jake Lindsay of CCI even showed Zabi how to entertain clients–out on the golf course. Zabi proudly announced he is now the “best golfer in all of Afghanistan!”
Technology is an integral part of Zabi’s personal life. While in the U.S. his friends and family in Afghanistan accessed real-time updates of Zabi’s trip by staying tuned to his Facebook profile.
Zabi does have a not-so-secret dream. To grow his construction business to a point that his younger brother can take it over. And then Zabi will return to the practice of medicine to become a world-famous orthopedic surgeon!
You can learn more about Zabi’s diverse passions and excitement for life, albeit without much time to sleep, in this video of him at the Bpeace annual meeting: http://ustre.am/_IC7T:vJp
A special thanks to all of Zabi’s host companies:
CCI Construction Inc.
Penguin Air Conditioning
Lisa Dubin Architect
Liz Pulver
BART is partially funded by the U.S. Department of State, Office of Citizen Exchanges in the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.
12 Comments
Mojdeh B.
12. Nov, 2010
Zabi, you are an energetic, fun, and smart individual. I am glad I had the opportunity to meet you. I hope you accomplish all your goals: building your construction company so that your younger brother can take over and you can become the most famous orthopedic surgeon in the world. Best of luck and keep up your enthusiasm and your dreams.
Jamie Banks
12. Nov, 2010
Dear Zabiullah, it was a pleasure to meet you. I am so glad your trip to the U.S. was so productive and I hope you are able to implement what you learned to grow your construction company. I hope to visit Afghanistan someday, and perhaps bowl at the first bowling alley built by your construction company!
Dan Dubin
12. Nov, 2010
Zabi, you are a wonderful young man. I loved your excitement about life and learning new things. It was a pleasure spending time with you and I hope you continue to succceed in all of your endeavors.
Robin Kramer
12. Nov, 2010
Zabi, it was an honor to meet you. You are a professional and an unbelievably well-rounded person. You seem to soak up all that life brings your way. I wish you continued success in all your endeavors – construction, medicine and boxing are just “the tip of the iceberg” when it comes to you. The young employees at MTV truly enjoyed hearing from you and they valued your opinions and point of view. See you on Facebook!
Lisa Dubin
13. Nov, 2010
Zabi, it was a pleasure to meet and spend time with you. I can’t wait to see the drawings you do when you learn Sketch Up. There is no doubt you will be a big success and no doubt it will be in several fields! It was enlightening for us to learn about how things work in the construction industry in Afghanistan.
Delilah
13. Nov, 2010
Hi Zabi,
It was so great meeting you and spending time in NYC. You are an incredible boxer, and a talented businessman, too! We look forward to staying in touch and to learning of your next successes. Also, we’re going to upload the photos from Mendez this weekend to send to you. Hope you had a safe journey back.
Spencer and Delilah
Michele
14. Nov, 2010
Hi Zabi,
I enjoyed looking at these pictures and remebering what a great time we all had while you were visiting our company. Everyone at CCI has been enriched by getting to know you and work with you. While you were learning about business practices here in the US you were also able to help out with some projects! We look forward to working with you via the internet. Best of luck! We wish you well as you work toward your goals.
Michele and Jake and your friends at CCI
MJ
15. Nov, 2010
Zabiullah! Did you decide to give up construction to be a movie star yet?
It was great seeing you so committed to your business and being such a great Fast Runner. I know you will continue to be successful and I look forward to seeing first hand, some of your work some day in your home city. I also look forward to seeing you dance, bowl, golf and box soon! Miss you and wish you and your family all the best. MJ
Liz
15. Nov, 2010
Zabi!
Great to meet you one cold afternoon in NYC! Really enjoyed finding out more about you, your interests and your business. It reminded me how similar day to day business issues and concerns are here and there! Halfway around the world, we’re both challenged by many of the same obstacles. Keep up the great work. Your curiosity, ennergy and zest for life are inspiring! All the best, Liz
Khristine Q.
17. Nov, 2010
My friend Zabi – I hope you are a better boxer than you are a bowler!!
You’ve accomplished so much already, in so many different fields – such an ambitious and inspiring person. I see an exciting future ahead for you and your company. I look forward to seeing you accomplish all your goals! Best of luck Zabi!
Zabiullah Jahed
17. Nov, 2010
Dear all,
Thank you friends for the commenting me. There are four things that can reach me to my goals; my god, my patient, your hands and your encouragements. Thank you for the cute and sweet words which you wrote for me.
Zabiullah Jahed
0093-786-27-97-97
Zabi.jahed@gmail.com
http://www.jahancom.blogspot.com
http://www.jahedz.blogspot.com
Kara
18. Nov, 2010
Zabi – it was a pleasure to meet you and be your buddy in DC! Your enthusiasm and energy are enviable! I cant wait to hear about all your successes. Keep me posted on Facebook!
Kara
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