11-year-old Mehrin sells chewing gum on the streets to help her father support the family. One year after registering at ASCHIANA, Mehrin can read and do math. She hopes to someday become a doctor and treat the poor in her community.
UNICEF has recently reported that approximately 3.7 million children are out of school, and 60 percent of those children are female. In fact, UNICEF stated that "the ongoing conflict and worsening security situation across the country, combined with deeply ingrained poverty and discrimination against girls, have pushed the rate of out-of-school children up for the first time since 2002 levels."
Aschiana has provided educational programs for girls who have been forced to work on streets for over 20 years. Every day, children attend Aschiana's programs and are taught basic literacy, computer, art, English classes, and receive a daily meal. Furthermore, the children's mothers are given the opportunity to learn a skill such as tailoring and embroidery. If the mothers earn an income, then the children don't have to work on the streets. Instead they can pursue their education.
This project educates at least 400 girls a year allowing them to pursue an education and become active members of Afghan society. They will be able to support themselves, their families, and their country.
