Grow Peace in Afghanistan: Educate Street Children

Dear Friend and Family,

 It is a joy to report that our collective efforts are making a significant difference in the lives of the most disadvantaged and vulnerable children who will then impact their families and communities positively. Today, I want to share with you the story of one of our students, Ali, who was struggling with poverty, and hunger.  With your generous support, we were able to enroll Ali in a private school so he could have a quality education, nutritious lunch, transport, uniform, ample attention, and love from the teachers. He has shown remarkable progress in his academic and personal skills, and he dreams of becoming a doctor someday to help others in need.

We found him on the streets selling chewing gum.  Ali’s (not his real name) story is one of hardship and resilience. He is 6 years old and attending first grade.  He was abandoned by his parents at the age of 4. His only relatives are his grandmother, who washes clothes at people’s homes, and his aunt, who begs for bread.   

His father became a drug addict due to years of war, lack of education, and hopelessness.  One day, he left home and never came back.  His mother took Ali’s sister and left one morning, and she also didn’t return.  

Despite his difficult circumstances, Aliwas trying to bring a little money to his grandmother who was feeding him.  He was identified by the teachers who were looking for the most deprived children to be enrolled in the private school and supported by Aid Afghanistan for Education, while he was selling chewing gum making 30 Afs ($0.34) per day. 

He wants to become a doctor. He says, “Iwant to help people who are poor and sick like my grandmother, who suffers from a chronic arm injury due to her work. And we don’t have money to treat her.”  

Ali is not alone in his struggle. There are thousands of children, in Afghanistan, who face similar challenges and need our support. They are the future of this country and we have a moral obligation to help them realize their potential. We are all part of the same human family and we should care for each other.  Join us to bring happiness to the world.

I am pleased to share with you that your support for the education of street-working kids has changed their lives. To nurture the well-being of the students, we provide them with nutritious lunch, daily, and they stay at the school after lunch for an extra hour or two to receive assistance with their homework.

Two days ago, we asked Fazila, a 7 years old student, what she ate for lunch before being admitted to the school.  She said, “I was selling plastic bags on the streets all day every day so there was no time or money for lunch.  Most of the time, the shopkeepers gave me something to eat and sometimes when I was feeling too tired and hungry, I bought half a piece of bread and ate it. During the days, when I passed some restaurants, I smelled the kabab and always wished I had enough money to buy some for myself.  I want to study hard so I can have a good job and buy kabab for myself and my mother.” 

 This project will produce agents of change and future leaders.  Thank you for being part of this life-changing program