Laura Bush delivers Afghan funding
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KABUL, Afghanistan (CNN) -- U.S. first lady Laura Bush brought $17.7 million to Afghanistan during a five-hour stopover Wednesday, the United States' commitment to building an American University there, according to pool reporters traveling with her entourage.
An additional $3.5 million was earmarked for the International School of Afghanistan.
The first lady's visit was aimed at spotlighting education, particularly that of women, who were denied access during the Taliban rule.
She was accompanied on the trip by Education Secretary Margaret Spellings.
"Democracy is more than elections, the survival of a free society depends on participation of all citizens, men and women," she told a select group of 300 Afghans invited to hear her speak.
Bush visited with Afghan President Hamid Karzai and Afghan teachers and students.
She also planted a tree, bought cookies at an Kabul bakery, and handed out toys to children.
The dignitaries dined with troops at Bagram Airbase.
