The sudden change of government, the Taliban’s rise to power, and the lack of support from the international community are some of the major problems that Afghans are currently facing. These problems have forced many to flee their country, often migrating to neighbouring countries in search of work. Those remaining in Afghanistan are facing a severe crisis, are often unemployed or unpaid and with no reliable access to food or basic medical care for their families. Children, especially girls, are deprived of education. The new Taliban government is currently unable or unwilling to address these needs.

In response to the unfolding humanitarian crisis and with support from our donors, Hagar International swiftly launched the Emergency Response Plan (ERP), with the aim to provide immediate assistance to affected families who are especially vulnerable, including those without guardians, widows, and families with many members, mostly girls and young children. People living in Internally Displaced People (IDP) camps were prioritized. The Emergency Response Plan began in November 2021 and consisted of objectives targeting aid in the areas of nutrition, health, and education.

Hagar want to make sure that in the long-term, the people of Afghanistan have the ability to earn an income and provide for themselves. We want to take the next steps towards seeing the people of Afghanistan living lives where they thrive and are not reliant on temporary emergency aid.

From May 2022 onwards, the Hagar Afghanistan team will implement three new projects to help our existing beneficiaries transition into independence:

1) Poverty Reduction and Livelihood Project: The new livelihood programme will enable families to start earning an income of at least US$100/month, that is sufficient to provide basic food for a family of 8, and cover some energy and clothing needs. This will be achieved by organizing the beneficiaries into business cooperatives, establishing cash for work programmes and helping them start small businesses.

2) An increase in the number of Child Friendly Spaces: We have seen how our 7 Child-Friendly Spaces have provided not just safety and protection for displaced and at-risk children in the past months but also the opportunity to receive a basic education. The Hagar team are desperate to set up more of these safe spaces due to the overwhelming numbers. Children currently roaming the streets begging will be targeted and encouraged to attend classes in these spaces as Hagar works towards preventing life-long illiteracy and consequent poverty.

3) Working with women at the Madrasa: In some areas of Afghanistan, women and girls are not allowed to leave their homes unless they are attending Madrasa, an Islamic Community centre. The purpose of this project is to provide basic literacy, numeracy and life skills classes at the Madrasa, to support women and girls at high risk of domestic violence and abuse. Without this new project, it will be extremely tough to reach these women and girls, and they will likely be denied of the chance to receive education.

To get each of these initiatives running WE NEED TO RAISE US$380,000 from our global Hagar family of supporters as soon as possible. The sooner the funding is raised, the quicker these projects will be able to start and the more lives will benefit.

We are accepting donations from anyone who wishes to partner with us in our response. It is only together, that we will be able to practically make a difference in the lives of thousands of displaced and vulnerable people at this crucial time.

We are grateful for your compassion for those we work with. Stay tuned to this page, as we will be providing regular updates on developments on the ground and the progress with these relief activities.