Life for Relief and Development USA (LIFE) Supports the Education of 290 Vulnerable Orphans in Afghanistan

Education is a unique tool with which we can unlock infinite potential. In the words of the American activist, Marian Wright Edelman, “Education is for improving the lives of others and for leaving your community and world better than you found it”. This bountiful gift of knowledge not only transforms the life of the student but can have a profound impact on others for generations. 

While each and every one of us harnesses this infinite potential within us, it’s an unfortunate reality that a quarter of a billion children do not have access to education, destined to grow without ever fully understanding the power and abilities their minds and bodies hold.  

For up to 4 million children in Afghanistan, this is the reality. As a result of multidimensional poverty, where approximately 85% of the population is estimated to live below the poverty line, many families in Afghanistan are forced to prioritize survival over a child’s education.  

Facing crises in water and food security, oftentimes, the energy and time-consuming task of fetching and providing water for the family is a responsibility placed on the shoulders of young children. Furthermore, precedence is placed on purchasing essential food for sustenance over financially supporting a child’s education. In short, in a world of deprivation, education becomes an expendable luxury.  

A sad reality that faces the nation in Afghanistan is the fact that, despite its profound importance, formal education is increasingly becoming an option as opposed to a necessity for many families. This is most evidently demonstrated by the dwindling numbers of enrolled students in school, with as far as a decrease of over a million students between 2019 to 2022. 

With approximately 70% of children in Afghanistan living in poverty, and over 15 million people facing considerable levels of food insecurity, the obstacles to education become clearer as many families in Afghanistan struggle to survive. Unfortunately, the barriers to education for orphans are much more severe.  

To support these vulnerable individuals in building a better future, Life for Relief and Development USA (LIFE) provided 290 orphans in the Laghman & Nangarhar Provinces of Afghanistan with essential school supplies. From August 28 to 29, 2025, 290 orphans received complete school kits containing a school bag, 12 sharpeners, 12 pencils, 12 notebooks, 1 Ruler, 1 Geometry Box, 1 Pack of Erasers, 1 Pack of Ballpoints, and 1 stationery Box. Through this initiative, LIFE relieved children and their caregivers from the heavy financial burden of school preparation, enabling them to return to school with dignity, feeling better prepared. 

Many orphans would begin the school year without the necessary equipment, increasing the likelihood of dropping out early. To further develop their confidence and motivation for the new school year, LIFE also arranged a park-based recreational activity offering a joyful environment for these orphans who often lack safe spaces for play.  

Beyond material support, the project also boosted children’s morale, as they felt recognized, supported, and included. As demonstrated in the case of the young orphan, Nargis Ahmed, this initiative had a considerable impact on beneficiaries. Frequently having to borrow pens and supplies from fellow classmates, it was difficult for Nargis to keep up with his studies. However, the school supply distribution renewed his dedication and motivation, as he shares: “The stationery I received from LIFE gave me new hope in my education”.   

Another orphan, Salma, felt the need to miss many days of school as she lacked basic materials like notebooks and pens. Thanks to the support of LIFE and its donors, Salma received a full set of stationery during the recent distribution. With joy and relief, she shared her gratitude: “From now on, I will never miss school because of not having notebooks or pens.” 

Thanks to your donations and LIFE’s initiative, these orphans have not only been supplied with school equipment. Your support has provided these young orphans with the keys to a bigger and brighter future, not only for themselves, but for their communities too.