The Children of Afghanistan

Statistically, the highest casualties of war are children: 

• In Afghanistan, one out of four children dies before the age of five, many of preventable diseases like dysentery. 
• Many boys and girls are sold as child slaves to those who exploit these children in Pakistan and other parts of Asia.  The going rate for a child slave is $14!
• Girls are considered marriageable at age seven to nine, and many are sold to older men as wife #3 or #4 to pay off debts.

During the time of the Taliban, only boys were allowed to attend school.  There were no schools, teachers or supplies, however, so most boys simply worked.  Women and girls were prohibited from going to school or teaching. 

At the end of 2001, when the Taliban were removed from power, girls were once again allowed to go to school.  Most classes were held outside in dirt fields.  Pencils and paper were virtually non-existent.

When relief workers met with Afghan leaders after the war, they told us that, once basic needs were met, they wanted schools.  One of AFF’s volunteers, Julia Bolz, heard the plea first-hand.  “They understood that to eliminate poverty, oppression and extremism, the children need education and the opportunities it brings.”