Support vulnerable families in rural Afghanistan

Father of three Feroz* lives with his wife and children in the remote province of Ghor. After losing both of his legs in an accident, he found it increasingly difficult to find secure, suitable employment, making it challenging for his family to meet their basic needs.

Winters in Ghor can be extremely cold, adding to the difficulties faced by families like Feroz's. Without enough heating materials, his children had to go outside to collect wood, which not only kept them from going to school but also put their health at risk. His wife worked as a seamstress to contribute to the household income, but it was not always enough to cover their winter needs.

“My biggest concern was the health of my children. The bone-chilling cold of winter threatened us every day, and I was always afraid of illness or even losing one of my loved ones," Feroz told us.

During these difficult winter months, Afghanaid came to Feroz's local area to assess the needs of vulnerable families. After listening to his challenges, Feroz's family was selected to receive support, receiving 19,300 Afghanis to afford fuel, as well as five winter blankets- support that transformed his family’s situation.

"With this money, I was able to buy fuel, heat my home, and get warm clothes for my children. They no longer have to go outside in the severe cold to gather wood. Now we can spend winter safely and peacefully.”

For Feroz and many other vulnerable families navigating poverty amidst Afghanistan’s ongoing humanitarian crisis, this emergency support has been essential, with the provision of blankets ensuring long term protection from the chill of Afghan winters. For people with disabilities like Feroz, this urgent assistance also ensures that family finances can be spent on crucial medical care as well as food and other necessities.

"The winter support from Afghanaid is vital for families like mine,” Feroz explained earlier this year, “who have no means to cope with the harsh cold. This assistance not only prevents illness and the dangers of cold but also preserves human dignity and keeps hope alive for vulnerable families.”

With deep gratitude, Feroz reflected on the impact of this support as the temperatures began to rise and the seasons shifted. "This assistance was like a miracle for us. Now we can confidently get through winter without worrying about my children getting frostbite or becoming sick. I am incredibly thankful to Afghanaid and everyone who made this support possible."

*Name has been changed to protect his privacy.