Ambassador Edward Alford (center), the senior civilian

Ambassador Edward Alford (center), the senior civilian representative for Regional Command (South) and (Southwest), gives a certificate to Fareeda, director of a local non-governmental organization that supports women’s education, for her support and contributions to girls’ and women’s education, during a Women’s Education Key Leader Engagement March 13, 2014, at the Kandahar International Airport, Afghanistan. The KLE, hosted by the U.S. Embassy’s Southern Regional Platform, recognized the accomplishments of advocates and educators who have supported women’s education and health, and to highlight future plans in the southern regions of Afghanistan. (U.S. Army photo by Cpl. Mariah Best)