Education for Children with Disabilities in Kabul

By the end of 2025, the impact for development’s education program served more than 1000 beneficiaries including 439 girls and boys under 13 years, 411 girls above 13 in home-based schools and 148 adolescents in computer and vocational training. The impact of this program that has extended beyond simply providing access to formal education, has broadened the children’s horizons allowing them to dream of bright futures where they have access to better opportunities and are not forced to work on the street for the rest of their lives. 

The program curriculum is adapted to the children’s needs to enable them to easily follow the lessons as well as learn in a supportive environment which encourages them to excel in their studies. Shahbaz (pseudonym) who works at the market as a street vendor noted that he experienced many positive changes after going to the school for street working children program noting improvements in his reading, writing and ability to follow lessons. He says, “Before coming to the School for Street Working children, I thought I had little ability to learn and was often punished by teachers at my [previous] school. But after coming here, many changes have happened to me. Now I read well, write, and follow school lessons as best I can. I also play football with my friends - which I love very much! ”

In addition, the program offers sports and recreational activities and has taught them invaluable social and life skills. Muhammad (pseudonym), who is one of the best students in his class says “I owe everything to this school because before coming to this center, I didn't know how to study. I wasn't sociable and didn't know how to behave with family or friends. This place helped me see myself as a person of value and encouraged me to start studying seriously. What this educational center has done for me, no other place could have done. Here, in addition to learning lessons, we learn how to live life correctly” This is a testiment to the program’s role in helping the children understand and recognise their value in society and not see themselves only as street workers.

In addition, girls in Afghanistan continue to face additional barriers to education and economic opportunities, the program provides vocational training for adolescent girls providing them with the opportunity to be economically self-sufficient. Najma (pseudonym) who completed a computer course was able to find a job as a social media manager, she says, “I completed a year of computer classes at Street Working Children School, where I learned Office programs such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. I graduated in July 2025, and right after graduation, I started searching for a job. Fortunately, I found a job at one of the local companies, which I can perform from distance. I work with social media management, marketing, and data entry. I am very grateful to ActforDev and really appreciate their hard work and efforts on our behalf.”

Action for Development continues to be a beackon of hope for communities in Afghanistan through championing the right of children to education regardless of their economic background or status and ensuring girls continue to benefit from this right. By expanding access to education and life-changing skills, the program is helping children move beyond survival toward opportunity and dignity. Action for Development will continue working alongside communities to ensure that no child’s future is limited by poverty or inequality.