Transform Lives of Afghanistan's Most Forgotten

Badal, A Marraige Swap

When Belour was 14 she became a victim of a harmful traditional practice in Afghanistan, known as ‘badal.’ ‘Badal’ is an exchange of girls between families, in which each girl is married to a male member of the other family. This practice is often agreed on when the girls are very young. This custom usually takes place against the girl’s wishes and generally is used to strengthen the families’ power and wealth.

Belour objected to the match and initially her family supported her decision; however the impending husband’s family became furious. When they heard that she’d ran away to escape the union, they began looking for her, threatened her family, and threatened to kill her once they found her. She’d brought shame upon their family. If Belour returns home, she will most likely face severe violence or even death.

Belour Finds Refuge at the Lighthouse

Just a few months ago, Hagar welcomed 19 year-old Belour to the Lighthouse Transitional Care Center. Currently in 7^th grade, she is far behind in school, but she is very bright and consistently claims the first position in every class. Education is her main focus and she dreams of becoming a journalist!

Of course, being forced to leave your family at 14 and enduring 5 years in a shelter leaves its mark. Belour is scared about her future and of being alone. As a young Afghan girl, without family to rely on, she understands the implications. Who can she trust? Will she have to live in a shelter forever? How will she support herself? Will she ever reach her dream of becoming a journalist?

Slowly, Belour is learning that she will never be alone. She is realizing that family sometimes comes in many shapes and sizes, and that the Hagar family will not abandon her. She can trust them.

“I use to feel so scared waiting for you to pick me up after school,” said Belour recently. “But now I sit quietly and wait – I know you will never forget me. You care for me like I’m your daughter.”

This month Belour began English classes. Soon, she will have the opportunity to join Hagar’s innovative programme, whereby she can learn new skills, join a journalism class, partake in a work mentoring programme, and enter into Hagar supported job placements. She knows she will be encouraged and supported as she pursues her dreams. And one day, Belour will be able to stand on her own - sustainably supporting herself in a safe community.

Your gifts allow us to provide ongoing support to women and girls like Belour. Thank you.

April has been an exciting and challenging month. 

Violence in Afghanistan has been all over the news in April (see BBC article attached). Here's a message directly from our CEO Talmage Payne about how Hagar staff reacted to the recent violence:

"As the fighting of the last two days in Kabul quiets down, I spoke with Bronwyn Graham, Hagar Afghanistan's Country Director by phone. Hagar staff, clients and their families are all safe although a bit tired and shaken from a loud night of gunfire and rockets. One of Hagar's facilities was within one area of fighting but was unscathed. Government security was quick to check on the security of the location as fighting broke out yesterday and kept the surrounding streets clear. Hagar operations obviously change when the threat level increases but staff know what is expected and managed their roles well in keeping everyone safe. Now its time to debrief, rest and learn from how we managed under pressure. For those of you who support Hagar Afghanistan you can be very proud of the quality of the team getting " whatever it takes" done."

We are also excited to announce that Hagar Afghanistan's beautiful new transitional care center is complete. The counseling room was painted a soothing lavender earlier this month, and staff and clients are enjoying the winding stairway that leads to the top floor where there is a gorgeous view of the mountains. Despite the recent violence, this place is bringing comfort and healing to some of the most vulnerable women and girls in Afghanistan.

Links:

• BBC News Article
• About Afghanistan