Since the fall of Afghanistan to the Taliban, life has become a daily struggle for countless families. Unemployment, rising prices, and the skyrocketing cost of living have left many in severe financial hardship. In these tough times, the Jawana Foundation is stepping in, working with its team and supporters to offer help where it’s most needed. One of our main goals is to reach out to families in desperate situations, providing them with basic necessities to survive.
One such case is Najiba, a mother who has been battling extreme economic difficulties. With support from a kind friend of the foundation in the UK, we were able to provide Najiba and her family with 6,675 Afghanis to cover their basic living expenses for one month. This allowed her to purchase much-needed food for her children. Sadly, Najiba’s situation is all too common. Many Afghan families are struggling to meet their most basic needs, like food and clothing, as the economic crisis deepens.
The heartbreaking story is that Najiba is the sole provider for her family of ten. A mother of eight, Najiba has been working for three years to earn money for her family and pay for her husband’s medical treatment. Her eldest daughter shared how, last year, Najiba suffered an accident while cleaning, leading to internal bleeding. Despite her own health needs, Najiba can’t afford her medication. Instead, every bit of money she makes goes toward feeding her family.
Najiba tragically lost her three-year-old son two years ago, simply because the family couldn’t afford food while she was out of work. The loss of her child drives her to keep working despite her own declining health. Her focus is now on earning enough to prevent losing another child to hunger. She explained, “I can’t work as I used to. Now I have to bring my two eldest daughters with me to help earn money. When I come home, my son runs up to me and asks, ‘What did you bring, Mom? I’m so hungry.’” Najiba broke down in tears as she shared the heartbreaking reality of her life, desperately needing immediate help.
Najiba also expressed her pain at seeing her daughters miss out on their education. “Most girls are busy with lessons, courses, or at the mosque,” she said, “but my daughters are stuck at home, depressed.” As a mother, it’s incredibly difficult for her to see her children hungry, waiting for her to bring home something to eat.
These stories reflect the harsh reality faced by so many families in Afghanistan today. Through the Jawana Foundation and the generous support of others, we hope to continue helping those like Najiba, who are in urgent need of support to survive and protect their families.
For support and more information please contact: info@jawana.org
