A few months ago, my colleague Zack Bazzi wrote to you about some of the projects Spirit of America has been working on all throughout the Middle East. Today, I want to provide an update on our progress in Tajikistan, where SoA is working with the US Embassy to renovate an “American Space”. This facility is a vital education center where Tajik children have access to different learning opportunities, including STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math), entrepreneurial, and sporting activities. Not only this, but it promotes American policy and values to inspire future generations of leaders and build stronger bonds between the United States and the people of Tajikistan. This makes it an important strategic location for American troops and diplomats stationed in the country. When we last sent out information on this project, the basement was unusable for youth programming due to safety concerns. However, today I’m proud to show you how much headway has been made in turning this facility into a safe, welcoming learning environment for Tajik youth. So far, we have been able to install hardwood floors, put up new walls with a fresh coat of paint, clear out much of the debris and other waste, and more as we strive to transform this important learning facility. Though the American Space has come a long way over the past few months, there is still much work to be done before this location is fully operational and ready to accommodate the growing youth population. Click here to see how you can help turn this basement into a beacon of American values in a developing part of the world. As always, thank you for your support. Ray Ellison Project Manager – Middle East