HAJI AHMAD , daily wage earner
I am 63 years old . I have a cart and work on the streets of Kabul to provide for 10 members of my family . When my son was alive , he worked to support us , but he was killed in an explosion two years ago . Now it is up to me to support my family .
Before COVID , I worked two or three days a week ; now I can ’ t find work even once a week . I spend half the day at the market and the other half on the streets , yet I hardly make any money . People tell me I am old and vulnerable and should stop working . How can I do that ? My family wouldn ’ t have anything to eat .
I am afraid of the virus , but working is my only option . I hope and pray for COVID and the explosions to stop . We are losing our loved ones to both of them .
"
People like us can ’ t quarantine in our homes , we have to work every day ."
14 | JOURNEY OF HOPE CENTRAL ASIA INSTITUTE