Vulnerable Children Program
In 2006, PARSA piloted its vulnerable children program, the "healthy child approach", at the Allahoddin Orphanage in Kabul. Caroline Firestone and her New Hudson Foundation contributed to the effort by sending thousands of towels as well as toothpaste and toothbrushes for each child. During the course of this last year, PARSA's Executive Director and staff were so disturbed by the condition of the children in the orphanage that they began an advocacy campaign to change the orphanages in Afghanistan.
On PARSA's behalf, Carolyn Firestone personally advocated for change in the orphanage management with Afghanistan President Karzai. She asked him to account for the condition of the children in this government run organization. The outcome is still pending but as a result of these advocacy efforts, the national director of orphanages has been moved to the Allahoddin Orphanage to personally oversee the reconstruction of the site and the programs. Mrs. Firestone continues to advocate at the top levels of government for change in the orphanage system and to support PARSA's effort to develop better programs and oversight for these Afghan children who are victims of the wars.
October 2011
