ABOUT

Past:  The history of Afghanistan has had a devastating impact on children across the country. Changes in governance led to the erosion of freedoms and rights, with families facing severe limitations on their ability to access education, work, and public life. For children, this turmoil meant an immediate disruption in their education and safety, as many schools were forced to close, and the threat of violence increased. The humanitarian crisis left countless families in precarious situations, struggling with the loss of stability, security, and access to essential services, creating an urgent need for international aid and intervention to protect and support the most vulnerable.

 

Now:  The children of displaced families, now in foreign countries, face a struggle with their sense of identity. They often feel a sense of unbelonging as they navigate practicing one culture at home and another outside. Cultural preservation becomes challenging as families face upheaval, and teaching language or traditions becomes less of a priority.

 

Consequences:  As schools and educational programs are disrupted, children are deprived not only of academic learning but also of the opportunity to explore their identities, aspirations, and sense of connection with others. The restriction on educational access undermines their sense of self-worth and potential, stifling their ability to envision and pursue futures beyond traditional roles imposed by circumstance. This interruption in education and personal development can lead to a crisis of self-identity, where children struggle with their place in a rapidly changing society and the loss of a future shaped by learning and personal growth. The erosion of opportunities for self-expression and exploration exacerbates feelings of disempowerment, leaving many young Afghans uncertain about their roles and possibilities in life.