(Kabul, Afghanistan) Latifa, a promising thirteen-year-old girl attending ARO’s Technical Education Center (TEC) in Kartay Chaar (an area of Kabul), was in jeopardy of dropping out of school because her family needed her to work. The changing Kabul economy left her father without a job, and the family needed everyone working to generate a livable income.

Latifa would be employed as a carpet weaver and—once out in the working world—it was likely she would never return to school. It is not uncommon for children to work in Afghanistan, if their family is in need or they have been left without adult support. However, the Afghan government, aid institutions and relief organizations are working to provide other options, in an effort to ensure education for the children who are Afghanistan’s future.

ARO English teacher, Ghaffar Langary, learned about Latifa’s plight after he assigned his students a creative writing project. Students were asked to write about their personal aspirations, and then read their essay in front of the class. Latifa spoke about her desire for her father to find a job, and her concerns for her family’s future. After class, Ghaffar spoke privately with Latifa and learned more about her situation. Realizing her situation was desperate; Ghaffar spoke with ARO administrators about providing assistance to Latifa and her family.

An ARO Micro Grant is Awarded
Concerned teachers and staff visited Latifa’s father, and determined a micro business grant could help the family develop a small, sustainable business. With a grant of approximately $400.00US—and with a signed contract stating Latifa would continue her education and not leave school to work as a carpet weaver—Latifa’s father established a kiosk-style business, providing daily supplies for the neighborhood (see photos).

Individual ARO volunteers and supporters—in the U.S. and in Afghanistan—have donated funds to cover the micro grant. ARO recognizes the contributions of Bashir and Maryam Ghazialam; Cecilia Bratten, Eileen Simpson; Eli Omar, Anisa Satar, and Nadia Maiwandi.

ARO Supports New Business
Instead of obtaining goods at a large market, ARO will continue to support the new business by purchasing some of their regular monthly supplies at the kiosk, such as soap, cleaning products, paper napkins and fresh eggs. This will provide a personal and direct opportunity to communicate regularly with Latifa’s family.

This example highlights ARO’s philosophy of providing job creation opportunities that lead to self sufficiency. This time, we were able to provide direct assistance to a family of one of our students, allowing us to ensure her continuing education.

Making a difference, one student and one family
ARO is proud of the caring teachers and staff in Kabul—as well as the Afghan and American volunteers and supporters—for their efforts to make a difference for Latifa and her family. We look forward to watching Latifa’s progress in school, and witnessing the growing success of her family’s new business!