Children walking to school in Afghanistan.

Violence in Afghanistan makes it a challenging place to operate

With recent attacks against NGOs, Afghanistan continues to be one of the most complex and challenging places to work.

I was in Afghanistan during the awful attacks that killed dozens of people in just a few days.  

I was there on a visit to our team to plan for some exciting new projects to support more children across the country.  

The deteriorating security situation was a stark reminder of the violence that has lasted for nearly 40 years.  

A challenging place to work 

The conflict has become increasingly violent. In 2017, the UN reclassified as an 'active conflict' - after years of being classified as 'post-conflict'. 

The targeting of humanitarian workers is sadly a common occurence. Over the last year alone, 156 attacks on aid workers have been reported. 

Civilians and children in particular, are most impacted by the violence.  

There are now 3.3 million Afghans in need of life-saving support. The most vulnerable children are missing out on vital protection, education and opportunities for growth. 

Afghanistan's most vulnerable children are missing out on vital protection, education and opportunities for growth.
Afghanistan's most vulnerable children are missing out on vital protection, education and opportunities for growth.

War Child is committed to reaching the most vulnerable children 

Despite the challenges of operating in Afghanistan, we're committed to reaching the most vulnerable children.  

This often means expanding our work into the hardest to reach areas - including Farah province where we've just started a new project. 

Widening access to education in Farah province  

A combination of poor infrastructure, poverty and the Taliban's influence has left thousands of children in Farah province without access to education.  

Across Afghanistan there are 3.5 million children out of school; 75% of them are girls.  

Data collected in 2014 demonstrated the impact this has had on the population. Roughly 18% of Farah's 700,000 residents cannot read or write. 

These shocking figures are likely to rise as we move into 2018, as an already fragile education system is put under pressure by a rise in conflict related incidents. 

Education gives children the tools to build their own futures
Kiana Hayeri/War Child UK

Operating in spite of challenges in Afghanistan War Child operates not just in spite of, but because of these challenges We're working in Farah to improve the availability and quality of education on offer for thousands of children.

In the coming months, we will register and enrol 2,000 children in Community Based Activities. Another 50 teachers will also be trained, with an emphasis on increasing the number of female teachers in the province. 

In addition, we'll be renovating damaged schools to make sure that more space available for children at school. These renovations are vital as overcrowded classes are often forced to learn outside - making it almost impossible for children to go to school during Afghanistan's harsh winters.  

This project is a brilliant example of War Child UK's commitment to tackling the needs of vulnerable children - in spite of the challenges we face.  

I'm excited to update you as our work in Afghanistan develops, in 2018 and beyond.