In Memoriam

On August 13, 2008, International Rescue Committee staff members Shirley Case, Nicole Dial, Jackie Kirk, and Mohammad Aimal died in the line of duty in Logar Province, Afghanistan, as their clearly-marked IRC vehicle came under heavy gunfire. In response to requests from their friends and colleagues, the International Rescue Committee has established a special fund to honor their memory.

"These extraordinary individuals were deeply committed to aiding the people of Afghanistan, especially the children who have seen so much strife. Words are inadequate to express our sympathy for the families and loved ones of the victims and our devoted team of humanitarian aid workers in Afghanistan." - George Rupp, President, IRC

Mohammed Aimal, 25, was a citizen of Afghanistan. He leaves behind his wife and young son.

Mohammad joined the IRC in 2002. Like many drivers for aid organizations in Afghanistan, Mohammed frequently performed duties in support of program goals. He delivered education supplies, supported efforts to monitor programming and assess the needs of communities within the IRC's area of operation, and liaised with local authorities at checkpoints and during monitoring visits.

Shirley Case, 30, was from Williams Lake, British Colombia, Canada. She leaves behind her parents and a sister.

She joined the IRC in early June as Education Manager, overseeing the IRC's Inclusive Education Program, which is designed to integrate children who have hearing and visual impairments within formal schools.

Nicole Dial, 31, was a dual citizen of Trinidad and the United States. She leaves behind her parents and a brother.

Nicole joined the IRC in late May as in-country Child and Youth Protection and Development Coordinator. She oversaw programs to improve quality and access to education through the establishment of community-based schools, as well as training for teachers and parent-teacher committees, adult literacy classes, support for curricula development, and related initiatives.

Dr. Jacqueline "Jackie" Kirk,Ph.D., 40, IRC Education Technical Advisor, was a dual citizen of Canada and the UK. She leaves behind her husband and parents.

Jackie had worked with the IRC since 2004,first as the lead researcher for the IRC's Healing Classrooms Initiative. Later she was named an Education Technical Advisor, providing support and technical guidance in Asia, as well as contributing to the IRC's global education efforts, particularly on teacher training and well-being and girls' education in the context of emergencies and armed conflict.

If you would like to make a gift to the fund, click here or mail your contribution to The Special Memorial Fund, International Rescue Committee, 122 E. 42nd Street, New York, NY 10168-1289. Contributions will be dedicated to programs that help protect and educate children affected by conflict, oppression, or natural disaster.