Of the approximate 550,000 Afghans displaced in 2021 , about 80 % are women and children .
Together , we ’ re helping the most vulnerable Afghans
Thanks to your generous support , to date , Central Asia Institute has helped thousands of the most vulnerable Afghans . To combat the spread of COVID , you ' ve helped provide :
15,186 facemasks 12,240 handwashing stations 1,845 hygiene kits Medicines and soap for 1,170 people 1,385 free medical exams
In addition , women-led families and female students in Takhar and Kapisa provinces benefited from 13,700 handwashing stations and 12,160 facemask kits . And loudspeaker messages about COVID-19 were broadcast in camps for displaced people to decrease infection rates and encourage social distancing and proper hygiene .
More help is on the way
Around 18 million Afghans , almost half the population , are now in urgent need of humanitarian assistance , according to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies . Unfortunately , the need will likely increase .
At Central Asia Institute , we ’ re doing everything in our power to assist communities affected by the crisis . In the coming weeks , we ’ re planning to distribute an additional 300 bedding kits ( blankets , tarps for shelter , etc .), 300 hygiene kits ( soap , menstrual hygiene products , etc .), and 300 education kits ( books , pencils , etc .) to displaced families .
Aisha , a victim of this new war
The crisis in Afghanistan cannot be explained through statistics alone . Hearing from people like Aisha , whose heartfelt letter opened the Journey of Hope magazine , is the best way to understand the situation . So we thought it was only right for her words to close the magazine as well . Y
Hello and salam ( peace ) to the world . My name is Aisha , and I ’ m 21 years old . I am one of the displaced people who fled from Kapisa to Kabul .
By the time I am writing this , the Taliban have captured Afghanistan — my country ! Now girls are being forced into marriage , female workers marched away from their jobs , and activists ' homes raided in a clear message that the freedoms of the last 20 years are coming to an end .
I ' m worried about my future . I won ' t be allowed to get an education , work , go outside , or live the life I want . I feel like I am in prison without having committed a crime .
For this new generation of Afghan girls , who grew up going to school and nurturing unfettered dreams , the Taliban era is ancient history , and turning back the clock is a nearly incomprehensible fate .
Please , do not leave us alone . We have not forgotten the help that other countries offered us in the past , and we will not forget any help you offer us now . Please release us from this prison . Please help my people . Please help Afghanistan !
- Aisha
Nearly 18 million Afghans , almost half the population , are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance .
The situation in Afghanistan is changing rapidly . Please visit centralasiainstitute . org for the most up-to-date information about what ’ s happening on the ground and our efforts to support the Afghan people .
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