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WELCOME
TO OUR SITE!
As
a result of 24 years of war in Afghanistan, there are more than
two million children who are orphans.These young children are
one of the most vulnerable targets of drug-dealers, war lords
and terrorist networks. The Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs
is facing the monumental task of integrating these two million
orphans of Afghanistan back into society. The task of caring for
and educating the children is immense. Even more challenging is
providing programs that will give them the necessary skills to
lead productive lives once they leave the orphanage.
As President of The Department of Orphanages, Mrs. Hakim
is responsible for managing the 27 government sponsored orphanages
as well as developing the sites of future orphanages. Presently
these orphanages care for over 10,000 children. Over the past
two years the orphanages have seen significant improvement in
food, shelter, hygiene and education, however, they remain overcrowded,
understaffed and constantly short of supplies and funds. Many
of the children arrive never having had medical or dental care.
Undaunted, and driven by her dynamic personality, Mrs. Hakim is
relentless in her quest to improve the welfare and lifestyle of
the children in Afghanistan's public orphanages.
The
children face a challenging future. According to a recent UNICEF
report the orphanages have "an acute lack of livelihood,
a paucity of marketable skills, and few job opportunities outside
the subsistence and illicit economies.....There exists, furthermore,
a need for imaginative thinking on training toward sustainable
livelihoods." Additionally the orphanages lack the ability
to give the children the kind of love, support and self-confidence
found within the family unit. Many have never known a family unit.
Many more have experienced very traumatic incidents yet they do
not have access to mental health counseling. Programs are being
implemented, but are in need of support and development. The
International Islamic Relief Organization has constructed
a building located on the grounds of the Thahai Maskan Orphanage
in Kabul. It houses an English Language and Computer Learning
Center to serve over 600 high school boys and girls from the Thahai
Maskan and Allaudin Orphanages. The orphanage will set up and
manage the upper floor with a Career Counseling Service and a
library. Children
in Crisis is working with the orphanages by giving existing
families support so their children may return home.The Polish
Humanitarian Organization (PHO)
has begun music classes at both Thahai and Allaudin orphanages
and is about to begin art and cultural awareness classes at Allaudin.
Mrs.
Hakim's goal is to "upgrade the welfare and professional
competence of the Afghan youth". In turn, these children
will grow to be the future men and women who will help "propel
the country toward economic development and successful international
relationships."
Facts
50% of the
Afghan population is less than 18 years of age with almost no
education
One out of four Afghan children dies before the age of five
Over 400,000 children are maimed, because of land mines
Over one million Afghan children are suffering from post-traumatic
stress syndrome.
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