The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) Goodwill ambassador and singer Clay Aiken is currently visiting Afghanistan to create awareness about the hope and promise he has seen in the young people of the war- torn country."The people here are very strong and they are very proud of their country,"Aiken told reporters in Kabul.

He praised the "strength and conviction of the Afghan people and their ability to make sure that this country returns to its glory after such a long darkness."The singer, who gained a name on the televised talent competition 'AmericanIdol,' has been the UNICEF's Goodwill ambassador since 2004.

He has been in Afghanistan to see first-hand the grassroots health and education projects being delivered by the UNICEF.He said he was "thrilled" to be associated with UNICEF's support for the country's rebuilding efforts.

During his stay here, Aiken visited schools in Kabul and the central province of Bamyan. In Kabul, he met young women at Macfee High School. Aiken described Bamyan as one of the most beautiful places he has ever seen.

Calling the people of Afghanistan the country's "greatest natural resource," Aiken said he would inform people in the United States, who too often associate Afghanistan with conflicts, troops and military activities.