By S. N. | Education coordinator
Since 2016, AfD has been implementing an education program for street-working children aged 6-13. The goal has been to create a pathway for these children to reintegrate into formal schooling and help them catch up academically according to their age groups. Since the program's inception, we have been graduating 25-35 children annually. While some have successfully enrolled in public schools, others continue working on the streets, as their families depend on the small income these children can provide.
This year, as in the past, we aimed to reconnect with a few of the students who left school two years ago. Rasiq (name changed for security reasons), now 15 years old, is the sole breadwinner for his family of six. He works on the streets cleaning and washing cars, earning a daily income of 100-130 afghanis (1.5-2 USD). He lost his father four years ago, and his mother is ill. He has three sisters and a 7-year-old brother who also works on the streets, selling toys and plastic bags.
Life is tough for Rasiq, but he smiled through his tears and said that perhaps it is his fate not to attend school and graduate like others. However, when he sees those who have graduated but still work as laborers, vegetable sellers, or street vendors, he reflects, "There isn’t much difference between us today, but maybe tomorrow, if the situation in Afghanistan improves, things will be different."
Rasiq has since joined AfD’s computer class and expressed a strong interest in technology. He dreams of one day earning enough to buy a second-hand printer and computer, so he can start his own small printing business.
As we wish him success in achieving his dream, we ask our sponsors and supporters to continue helping us, so that we can create better futures for children like Rasiq.
By Zuhra Shafiq | Program Director
By Cate Borrelli | Communications Officer
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