Education for Children with Disabilities in Kabul

For little Fereshta, it was the possibility to find peers who could communicate with her, and of course the possibility to learn reading and writing attracted her and her family to join the disabled school. Indeed, once being a student at this school Fereshta could understand others with ease and would find a different environment, where other children are also with similar disabilities. She can learn that people with disabilities are also able to overcome challenges, have friends, and be part of society. Shahgul, the mother of 9 year old girl, who lives in a poor family in Kabul, had a lot of dreams when her daughter was born. However, after some time the parents realized that Fereshta was not able to hear their voices, and as she grew up she was not able to talk. The family was poor and there was no way to afford visiting doctors and hospitals for treatment or verifications. The child was mute. She is not the only one in her family. Her sister Mina (7 years old) was also born mute.

“My neighbor once told me that there is a school for disabled children. I visited many places to find out more about it, and finally got connected to a teacher from this school. He helped me to enroll my kids” said Shahgul.  “Fereshta and Mina both of them are mute. I am a housewife, and my husband is a mason. We live in a rented flat. He does not earn much, and most of the time his earning does not cover our monthly expenses. We receive a lot of support from the school. We are happy that my daughters – although are mute – will be able to read and write. They receive their lunch in school, which is already a support for us economically. Today I was told that the food for the students is provided by donations. I am very grateful for your support. I cannot do anything else for you, but to pray and thank you for your donation and kindness.”

Action for Development (AfD) has received, 126USD on 2^nd of March 2016. The schooling year in Afghanistan starts on 21^st March and lasts for nine months. Kids do not attend school during the winter months. With this money we provided the 400 children of the school with a modest lunch (rice and beans) for 4 days. We thank you for your support and interest in this project. Your donations are much appreciated.