Decades of crisis and hardship have left the people of Afghanistan struggling to survive. Here, we share the story of one resilient woman Islamic Relief is supporting through extreme adversity.
Poverty, conflict and recurring natural disasters have forced some of the poorest in Afghanistan to make their homes in a 300-metre-long complex of caves in the city of Bamyan. Approximately 700 Afghan families live in these caves, even in harsh winter weather. Among the residents is Mariam*, a 60-year-old widow, who lives with her children and grandchildren.
Mariam and her family live in a single room hewn out of the rock because they cannot afford to pay rent on a house. “This is where I stay, along with my extended family. We are 7 in total, sharing this cave as a house. I did not choose to live in the cave. It’s because I couldn’t afford to live somewhere else. Although it’s a house, it’s not our home,” she says, fighting back tears.
Mariam’s story is similar to so many in Afghanistan where desperate conditions are forcing people to make equally desperate choices to survive. One day, Mariam’s eldest daughter disappeared, leaving her elderly mother to care for her 3 children.
Money is tight. Mariam’s 14-year-old son was forced to stop attending school to begin work as the family’s sole provider. He works on a fish farm on the city outskirts where he makes 4,000 AFS a month (approx. £43). Mariam’s youngest daughter is 12 and had dreams of becoming a nurse until the Taliban ban on girls attending secondary education shattered her dreams.
Challenging conditions
Mariam’s grandchildren spend their days playing games and making clay toys on the dusty lanes that surround the caves.
The living conditions in the cave are difficult. Families drink contaminated water from shallow wells that are not properly maintained, while insufficient hygiene and sanitation facilities have led to numerous outbreaks of waterborne illnesses in the community.
There is no access to adequate toilets, meaning residents have to rely on a few temporary toilets which everyone uses. Forced to queue for hours, women and girls face risks to their safety while making these trips.
A stark choice
The dire conditions invariably get worse throughout the year as each season brings its own problem in the caves. In Afghanistan, winters are brutally cold, and summers are scorching hot. As winter sets in, many families are forced to choose between food and warmth. The rainy season doesn’t bring any respite, while rainwater still trickles into the caves in spring. Snow in winter has a similar effect, sometimes forcing families to move to another location or face the cold-related illnesses
Moving can be difficult however, as most families in this community are reliant on casual work, living from hand to mouth. Work opportunities are unfortunately drying up as the agricultural and construction sectors suffer decline. Men who depend on daily wages from farms, construction sites, or transporting goods have difficulty finding employment. Even when they do find work, the pay is often horribly insufficient.
Supporting Mariam and her family
Islamic Relief is supporting Mariam and her family to earn a stable income. She received a dairy goat, a sewing machine, and business training to empower her towards this goal.
One of her grandchildren is also part of the Orphan Sponsorship Programme, which provides a monthly stipend to cover his school costs, helping him to continue pursuing his education.
“Before the goats came, we had no milk at all. You will not see any drop of milk in this house.” Mariam says. “The goats unexpectedly showed up at our door. Then milk came. In the morning, I sell the milk to neighbours. During the evening, I feed them with the grandchildren. My children are healthy and nourished now.”
Goat rearing is an important source of income for families in Afghanistan. Goats can be sold quickly as there is always demand from butchers and hotels. The money generated from goat rearing can be used to pay for essentials such as home repairs, school fees and medical expenses. In rural areas and informal settlements, such as Mariam’s, goats can be the difference between children continuing their education or dropping out of school to work.
Mariam had 3 goats, but recently sold 1 to help cope with her rising costs. The goat fetched 4,000 AFN (Approx. £43) which was enough to cover her outstanding debts.
“I’m old and frail. I’m also the head of the household, caring for my children and grandchildren. I make an average of 500 AFN (Approx £5.40) from goat milk. I also sew clothes for my neighbours for a small fee. I’m able to afford 3 meals per day. Thank you for the donations and Islamic Relief for extending help to us. May God bless your work.”
Some 700 vulnerable families have received life-changing support, including sewing machines, monthly stipends for children, and—most importantly—goats, which have multiplied and helped lift families out of poverty. Mariam’s family is one of many whose lives have been changed for the better.
Please donate now to help us to continue empowering vulnerable families in Afghanistan.
*Name changed to protect confidentiality
