Children of Afghanistan

Afghan orphans

By Peter Lenk and Allen MacKenzie

November 2010

PARSA has been working with Children of Afghanistan (COA) for over two years. The funding we receive from this volunteer only group is used to make the life of afghan orphans healthier, happier and more stable.

Our work with the COA funds is primarily at the Allahoddin Orphanage in Kabul. It houses roughly 300 orphans both male and female. The boys stay in this orphanage until about age 12 – when they are moved to a BOYS only facility. Girls will remain at Allahoddin until the age of 18 when they either are married or in the best case scenario, set off to find suitable work or further their education.

This year PARSA, working closely with Mazari Safa, the new National Orphan Director and with funds from Children of Afghanistan, has developed a plan to assist the older orphan girls with developing a plan for their future so they are not forced into something they do not want or like or worse into an unhealthy situation.

We are strengthening their educational opportunities, providing tutors to assist them in preparing for yearly assessment testing and will work one on one with the girls to help them determine a plan for their future and happiness. This will include finding potential vocational programs as well as assisting some with additional schooling to prepare for the University entry exam.

Please read some of the stories from the girls. We encourage you to make a donation to Children of Afghanistan in support of these girls and their future. With the help of PARSA, our goal is to make a better life for these girls and put them in a position to be able to care for themselves and make a sustaining income or further their education.

Click on the link below to make a donation to Children of Afghanistan – please specify Children of Afghanistan during the donation process!