Afghanistan is home to around 1.6 million orphaned children, many of whom find themselves living on the streets, struggling to find food, shelter and warmth. In a country where poverty is widespread, and more than 85 per cent of the population lives on less than £1 a day, according to the United Nations, becoming an orphan can seem like a death sentence. But Islamic Relief is supporting orphaned children towards a brighter future.
In response to the heartbreaking situation of orphaned children in Afghanistan, Islamic Relief launched our transformative 1-2-1 Orphan Sponsorship Programme (OSP) in the country in 2004. This initiative reaches out to the families of the most vulnerable orphaned children, including those with disabilities, children under the care of elderly relatives, and children who must work to support their younger siblings.
In the 20 years since the programme launched in Afghanistan, it has grown and now supports over 6,000 orphaned children across the 4 biggest provinces: Balkh, Bamyan, Kabul, and Nangarhar. These young lives are being uplifted and empowered through dedicated financial assistance and emotional and psychological guidance.
Many of the resilient children formerly enrolled in the OSP have graduated from higher education and become beacons of hope for their communities. They serve selflessly in hospitals, schools, and businesses, demonstrating the incredible impact the compassion and support of our donors can have.
‘My deepest aspiration is to become a doctor to help mothers’
At just 11 years old, Latifa* carries a dream as big as her heart.
The youngest of 6 siblings, Latifa has faced many challenges, especially after she lost her father when she was only 4. Latifa and her family now live in a modest 2-room house in Jalalabad City, paying a rent of 3,500 Afghanis (approx. £40).
“I don’t have any memories of my father, but I miss him every day,” Latifa says, reaching for her mother’s hand. “She is everything to me – both a father and a mother. She believes in me and wants me to excel in my education.”
Latifa attends Sweet Home School, run by Islamic Relief, which has given her a chance for a brighter future. “I’m in grade 6 and don’t have to worry about stationery, food, or tuition fees. Everything is taken care of,” she explains, a smile illuminating her face.
But what truly drives Latifa is her passion for helping others. “I want to become a doctor to help mothers,” she says with determination.
“I’ve seen mothers struggling with childbirth and not having successful deliveries, and I know that many stay home because they can’t find a female doctor.” Her voice is filled with empathy and strength, the voice of a young girl who has seen too much yet remains hopeful for a better tomorrow.
‘I aspire to become an engineer to build a home for my beloved mother’
At barely 8 years old, Ahmad* faced an unimaginable loss when he lost his father to a sudden illness. His world was turned upside down, leaving him to navigate life’s challenges without the guiding presence of his dad.
“I’m living with my mother and 5 siblings in this small house,” says Ahmad, the third of his mother’s 6 children. “My 2 elder brothers work in a bakery shop, while my mother dedicates her days to caring for us.”
The profound loss of his father has left a gap in Ahmad’s heart, a gap that he has struggled to fill. But even in the bleakest moments, hope prevailed.
“Islamic Relief teams came to my neighbourhood and spoke with my mom about our situation. I am fortunate to have [become] registered on the Orphan Sponsorship Programme 4 years ago. You stepped into my father’s role,” he says, his eyes glistening with tears.
Now in grade 6 at Tai Boti school in Bamyan, Ahmad has found a source of strength in education. “My mother uses the financial assistance from Islamic Relief to fulfil my different needs, and I always pray for the kind-hearted people who send us this support.”
Among his studies, mathematics is Ahmad’s favourite. “I aspire to become an engineer to build a home for my beloved mother. I believe this is the only way I can repay her for all she has done for us.”
With dedicated support for orphaned children, we can support and empower children like Latifa and Ahmad to pursue their dreams through education. These children have the potential to transform not only their own lives, but also their wider communities.
Be a part of changing lives for the better. Donate now.
*Names changed to protect confidentiality
