History Modern Afghanistan was founded in 1709 when one the local tribes established a dynastic empire first based in Kandahar and later moved to Kabul. The Afghan Empire remained independent until the 19th century when it fell under British control. Afghanistan then became a buffer between the British and Russian empires until it won its independence from British control in 1919. The Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan in 1979 to support the tottering Communist regime in Kabul, but withdrew 10 years later under relentless pressure by internationally supported anti-Communist groups. A civil war between these factions erupted following the 1992 fall of the Communist regime. The Taliban, a movement that emerged in 1994 to end the country's civil war and anarchy, seized Kabul in 1996, and in 1998 seized most of the country outside of opposition Northern Alliance strongholds. After the 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center in New York, the U.S. invaded Afghanistan in attempts to topple the Taliban. As a result of heavy war, thousands of children have been left orphaned and forced to find their own way to food, shelter, and safety. The majority of Afghanistan’s population (nearly 99%) is Muslim. The main ethnic groups include the Pashtun and Tajik, as well as other smaller ethnic groups. The major languages spoken in Afghanistan are Persian and Pashtu, as well as other languages spoken by other smaller minority groups.   Afghanistan Facts Population: 29,835,392 Infant Mortality Rate: 149.2 deaths/1,000 live births Average Family Income:  $900 Unemployment Rate: 35% Life in Afghanistan Life began assisting Afghan refugees in 2001, and started formal operations in Afghanistan in March 2002. Since 2001, Life has assisted orphans, widows and refugees of war, by providing them with food, clothing, shelter, education, medical supplies and digging water wells. In 2005, in partnership with the US State Department and the Department of Defense, Life distributed 5,000 wheelchairs to the handicapped in all provinces throughout the country. Projects Orphan Sponsorship Water Well Digging Ramadan Udhiyah

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Life Distributes Udhiya 2012 Meat to Needy Families in Afghanistan and Pakistan Life for Relief and Development sacrificed 42 cows and distributed the meat to nearly 3,792 poor and needy families in Afghanistan and Pakistan Life Afghanistan distributes food and back-to-school items to orphans Life staff gave 420 orphans in Kabul, Laghman and Jalalabad fabric to make school uniforms and food items that included flour, cooking oil, beans and tea which was enough food to last for three month Life Distributes Ramadan Food Baskets in Afghanistan and Pakistan In Afghanistan Life distributed food baskets to 370 families totaling nearly 2,600 people, most of the families were widows and children living in areas in and around Kabul. Life distributes aid to orphans and digs two water wells in Afghanistan Life for Relief and Development's office in Kabul Afghanistan distributed food aid to orphans that are enrolled in Life's orphan sponsorship program. Udhiyah 2011 Distribution in Afghanistan and Pakistan Orphans and the needy in Afghanistan and flood victims in Pakistan receive Udhiya/Qurbani meat during the days of Eid Al-Adha 2011/1492 All countries - 2011/1432 Udhiya/Qurbani Report With the blessings of Allah (SWT) and the generosity of its donors, more than 1 million people benefited from the distribution of fresh meat from animals sacrificed during the days of Eid ul Adha. Life to Dig 51 More Water Wells in Africa and Afghanistan "Providing clean drinking water for local communities in Africa and Afghanistan aims first and foremost at saving lives from dehydration and thirst, but also goes further towards preventing water-borne diseases. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we are able to make a difference in the part of the world that desperately needs clean drinking water." Donors Establish 3 Water Wells in Afghanistan The new wells mean that families will no longer need to travel long distances with mules in order to retrieve water from other wells. The new source of water will also help small farmer and herders, and is expected to provide an economic boost to the area. Udhiyah Meat Reaches Nearly 250,000 Needy People 2010 . Two New Water Wells Dug in Afghanistan Life recently inaugurated two new water wells in rural areas of the Afghan capital, Kabul. Udhiyah 2009 Report in Afghanistan Life was again able to include Afghanistan in the countries where fresh Udhiyah meat was distributed during the recent Eid ul Adha holiday. 2009 - 400 Needy Afghans Receive Food for Ramadan 57 families (400 individuals) in and around Kabul were chosen to receive Ramadan food baskets. Of these there were seven families headed by widows. Ramadan Summary of Projects for 2009 LIFE for Relief and Development began distributing food baskets to needy families at the beginning of the holy month. These distributions took place in many countries around the world. Orphan Program in Afghanistan Improved LIFE cares for the needs of approximately 600 sponsored children who are spread across Kabul, Jalalabad and Laghman Udhiyah Campaign Report for 2008 LIFE completed its annual Udhiyah / Qurbani Campaign for 2008, distributing fresh beef, lamb, and goat meat to thousands of needy families around the world. School Uniforms for Afghan Orphans LIFE disturbed new uniforms, shoes, to some 1,000 orphans and other students that attend LIFE's schools in Afghanistan. Renovating high schools for orphans in Afghanistan Orphanages Renovation Ramadan 2007 Update Report The latest reports from different countries for 2007. Distribution of 5,000 wheelchairs in Afghanistan LIFE implemented one of its most challenging programs in Afghanistan. Afghan Orphan Graduation Students in Afghanistan are finally celebrating the end of the 2005-2006 school year. Distribution of Medical, Engineering and Scientific Books in Afghanistan The rehabilitation of an educational sector in Afghanistan is a massive undertaking. It is an undertaking that LIFE proudly trumpets as one of the most important initiatives in the region. Distribution to Winter Victims of Afghanistan In January 2003, some refugee children in Barkley Afghan refugee camp died due to harsh cold weather. Coalition with other NGO's to serve the Afghani children In coordination with Disney Channel, LIFE distributed gloves, scarves, school bags, and toys to the female students of Kargha School, which is a large school that has over 2000 students in Kabul.