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Spreading language of peace

A Tampa woman hopes learning leads to understanding as she works for the U.S. Foreign Service in Afghanistan.

By AMY SCHERZER
Published December 30, 2005

BEACH PARK - After hours of exhausting travel and a harrowing ride from the Kabul airport in war-torn Afghanistan, Beatrice Litt arrived at the American Embassy only to be refused admittance.

Did she sit in the armored car and fume?

"Not at all," said Litt, who owns a house in Beach Park. "I practiced speaking Dari (the Persian language spoken in Afghanistan) for two hours with the driver until the paperwork was in order."

Seize every opportunity, Litt would say, who jumped at the chance to spend a year as the English Language Program coordinator for the U.S. Foreign Service in Afghanistan.

Married since 1977 to Foreign Service officer David C. Litt, she was recruited for her own diplomatic skills, honed during their years in the Middle East.

Litt has a law degree from the University of Palermo, Italy, where she met her husband at his first foreign post. Since then, the two have lived in Washington, D.C., Niger, Afghanistan, Syria and the United Arab Emirates, where David Litt was U.S. ambassador from 1995 to 1998.

They moved to Tampa next where he advised U.S. Special Forces and Central Command based at MacDill Air Force Base.

In 2004, they headed to North Carolina, where David was a diplomat-in-residence at Duke University and she taught Italian. They were enjoying academia when they learned of the new Foreign Service program for spouses.

The call to return to Kabul was irresistible, Litt said, remembering the "charming" mud villa they rented and their travels through the "forgotten country" in 1978. Violence against the Soviet Union's takeover ended her stay.

Five months pregnant with Barbara, Litt evacuated to Palermo. David followed soon after.

"I left my heart there, in Kabul," Litt said.

She returned to Afghanistan in July, after a six-week refresher course in Dari at the Foreign Service Institute in Washington, D.C.

The same day, David left for Baghdad, Iraq, where he serves as a political military adviser.

"I always worry about my husband," she said, "but in many ways, this brings us closer."

At first, her two children, Barbara and Giorgio, weren't gung ho about their mother's adventure. But with each e-mail, they appreciate her commitment.

"She's the ultimate mother and wife," Barbara said. "I'm very proud of her."

Until a few weeks ago, home was a hooch on the embassy compound, a modified metal shipping container with a twin bed, tiny closet and TV that aired CNN and Afghan television. A microwave oven, refrigerator and burner made up the kitchen.

Now she lives in a tiny apartment where she enjoys entertaining colleagues. "But there are no ingredients to cook with," Litt said, during her recent visit to Tampa.

She may only leave the compound for business, with the approval of the regional security officer.

Drivers may not stop for sightseeing or shopping.

That's why she loaded up at Costco in Brandon last month, shipping 40 pounds of pasta, 20 liters of olive oil, tomato paste and peanut butter to her new apartment.

About three times a week, an armored car takes Litt to meet Afghan educators at universities, schools and private language centers where English is taught. She records their lack of training and resources in her reports. The needs are endless.

"No books, no paper, no pencils, no teaching materials." English publications, forbidden under the Taliban regime, were used for fuel on cold winter days.

Somehow, as Litt's frustration mounts, so does her optimism.

"Afghans are hard-working and highly motivated," she said, a sparkle in her blue eyes. "They are so happy to meet civilians," especially a warm, friendly woman who understands and encourages them. The Taliban prohibited women from getting an education.

"They especially want to learn about birth control and family planning," Litt adds. "Learning English will open a window to the world."

With Kabul's reconstruction comes plenty of jobs for English speakers, but security concerns and a lack of housing prevent more linguists from going.

Dena Gross Leavengood, a friend and former colleague at the University of Tampa, where Litt taught Italian, wasn't surprised to learn of her latest adventure.

"I know how much she loved the people and culture," Leavengood said. "She's very comfortable in public life and has a great deal to offer."

Hearing of the situation in Afghanistan inspired Leavengood to collect teaching supplies to ship to Litt in Kabul.

She needs books, audiotapes and videos on American life, especially for children, as well as markers, pencils, pens, tape recorders and computers.

Litt hopes education can be the path to peace.

"We're all mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers. We all want the same thing," she said.

- Amy Scherzer can be reached at scherzer@sptimes.com or 226-3332.

AGE: 56

BORN: Palermo, Italy

FAMILY: Husband, David; daughter, Barbara, 26, of Atlanta; son, Giorgio, 24, of Kansas City

SPEAKS: Italian, French, English, Dari and some Arabic

VOLUNTEERED: To be an observer in Afghanistan's recent parliamentary election, the first in more than 30 years.

IN THE KITCHEN: Renowned for her lasagna and cannoli made from scratch.

IN THE CLASSROOM: Taught Italian at the University of South Florida, the University of Tampa and private lessons at her home.

BORN HOSTESS: She has hosted dignitaries around the world.

IN RETIREMENT: Plans to live in their Beach Park home, which is rented.

TO HELP: Dena Gross Leavengood is collecting school supplies to send to Litt. For information, e-mail her at dleaveng@tampabay.rr.com or call 831-6718.

[Last modified December 29, 2005, 08:40:09]